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BUBBLES OF FICTION. 


BT 


GEORGE BARRELL, Jr. 


/<;'‘C0PYRlGHT'^C 


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NEW YORK: 

DEWITT & DAVENPORT, TRIBUNE BUILDINGS. 

1852. 


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Entered, according to act of Congress, in the year 1851, by 
DEWITT & DAVENPORT, 

in the Clerk’s Office of the District Court of the United States for the Southern 

District of New York. 



STEREOTYPED BY HENUY PALMER, 

199 William st, N. Y. 



3ttt| 

IS THIS WORK, 

AS A TOKEN OF RESPECT, 


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CONTENTS. 


JAVAN. 

Chap. Page 

1. A Manuscript treats of a Jewel, 9 

II. J ava is introduced to the Reader, and an Account is 
given of the visit Javan paid her, and also of an 
Adventure that occurred during their Ramble, . . 15 

III. J avan departs in search of the Emerald, 25 

IV. A Flight of Time, 27 

. V. Kufan is made Happy, 28 

VI. Javan narrates his Adventures — with the Lions, .. 29 

VII. Javan narrates his Adventures — with Strange Peo- 
ple, 34 

VIII. Javan narrates his Adventures— and ends them,. .. 42 

IX. They open the Box, 50 

X. The Pilgrim on his Journey, 52 

XI. The Reader is favored with the view of a Bevy of— 

but read, and you will know, 54 

Xn. Pipe-smoking and Story-telling, and the Emerald is 

seen, and Transformations occur, 57 

Xin. King Othult in his Banquet-room, 67 

XIV. The Travellers obtain a view of Mount Pandan,.. . 75 

XV. The Vision of Javan, 78 


vi CONTENTS. 

Chap. ' Page 

XVI. The Pilgrim on the Summit of the Mountain, 80 

XVII. How Javan and Kufan reached the end of their 

Journey,.. 82 

XVIII. The Enchantment, 88 

XIX. Pad — Ura — and the Flight, 92 

XX. King Othult in his Harem, 99 

XXL The Imp and the Golden Ball, 105 

XXII. Pad and Javan, 108 

XXIII. A Fight in the Air, Ill 

XXIV. The Dragon-fly, 113 

XXV. What happened to the Pickles of Othult the King,. 115 

XXVI. The Messenger of BafFra, 119 

XXVII. The Search for Ura, 121 

XXVIII. The False Baffra, 122 

XXIX. The Wise Men of the Kingdom, 125 - 

XXX. The Expedition of Folly the Dwarf, 127 

XXXI. The Battle, 131 

XXXII. Folly the Dwarf, 132 

XXXIII. Javan’s last Attempt to obtain the Emerald, 134 

XXXIV. Downfall of the Tower, 136 

XXXV. Javan and Java, 136 

THE FROST IMPS, 137 

ZENO AND XARA. 

I. Before, 147 

II. After, 150 

III. The Moral, 161 

THE BENDING BRANCH, 153 


CONTENTS 


vii 

^P- Page 

ZELL. 

I. The Maiden, Ig5 

n. Strange Conduct, 17 q 

III. The Midnight Scene, yj \ 

IV. Death, 

OPIUM. 

I- Bliss, 175 

II. Fear, I79 

in. Agony, 179 

rv. Kepentance, 180 

MY LAST WALTZ 181 

THE VIOLINIST OF TOLEDO. 

I. How Geronimo arrived at the House of Don Levidono,. . 191 

II. How Geronimo played on his Violin, 194 

III. One Hundred Years after, 197 

THE GAME AT DICE, 201 

THE ELIXIR OF LIFE. 

I. What occurred in the Stone Room of the Tower, 203 

II. The Scene in the Bed-room, 211 

III. The Lady Elverina, 216 

IV. But a Dream, 219 

. V. Sunset, 220 

VI. The Serenader, 223 

VII. The Elixir, 228 

Vni. The Story ends, 230 


Viii CONTENTS. 

Chap. Page 

• THE STATUE OF MARBLE. 

I. The Smoke of the Cigar, 233 

11. Feats of Wonder, 237 

III. The Contract, 244 

IV. The Statue, 247 

EUGENE 251 


BUBBLES OF FICTION. 


JAVAN. 

I. 

A MANUSCRIPT TREATS OF A JEWEL. 

It was night, calm and tranquil night, while high in the 
heavens sailed slowly along, the Evening Queen, throwing 
far and wide her mellow rays, and casting into insignifi- 
cance the glittering planets and the more distant twinkling 
stars that formed her company. Mountain top, and hill, 
and sea, were lit up by her brightness, and also the soft 
fleecy clouds, which from time to time were wafted across 
her round disk, experienced the same effect. Quite rugged 
was the landscape. Bold craggy mountains bounded the 
horizon, with their snowy peaks shooting in strong relief 
against the evening sky; and they were so curiously 
formed, possessing so many cuts and angles and soaring 
pinnacles, that hardly ever will the traveller see the like, 
no matter in what country he should chance to be; 

The scenes of this tale are laid in the interior of Africa. 

The landscape was unnaturally beautiful. 

In a hollow among the mountains reposed a lake as 


10 


BUBBLES OF FICTION. 


smooth as though it were a lake of the dead — hushed and 
unrippled. At times one could see through the crystal 
water, and imagine objects of beauty were beheld, such 
as trees of coral and beds of shells ; but when a dark cloud 
interposed between the wave and the moon, all was dark- 
ened, and the lake then resembled a sheet of steel, in 
which all the crags and stunted bushes, the mountains, and, 
in fact, every thing, was mirrored with the most minute 
exactness. 

On the border of this lovely expanse of water stood a 
youth of dusky hue, tall, and of a fine shape, around whose 
waist and hanging to his knees was a curiously embroidered 
skirt, while the rest of his body was free from covering. 
A perfect Hercules did he appear to be, possessing a pow- 
erfully-formed body, wide breast, and sinewy arms. San- 
dals protected his feet, and rings of gold hung from his 
ears. Stooping, he dipped the vase he held in the lake, 
and raising it, then the drops fell like glittering diamonds 
to the place from whence they were taken ; then, turning he 
commenced ascending a narrow, and at times dangerous 
path, winding around crags, mounting and descending jut- 
ting rocks, till at last the mouth of a wide cave was 
reached, from which place a fine view of the wild scenery 
could be obtained, and around which grew several stunted 
pines and firs. 

Entering the cave, he laid the vessel by the side of an 
old man sitting on the rock floor, and threw himself on a 
pile of leaves in the corner, as though exhausted. This 
other personage was habited something like the youth, 
with the exception that no earrings did he wear, and that 
his skirt was formed of far inferior material, and, moreover, 
was not embroidered ; a long beard, as white as the sum- 


JAVAN. 


11 


mits of the surrounding mountains, rested on his breast, 
which, on account of his having long been in a stooping- 
posture, was curved inward, and his head was shadowed 
by a few iron-grey hairs. He was attentively engaged in 
perusing a voluminous manuscript. A pine torch, blazing 
and emitting volumes of thick smoke which rolled out at 
the entrance, was thrust in a crevice of the rock by his 
side ; but it afforded rather a dim light. 

“ Kufan,'’ said the youth, “ you seem to be greatly 
interested in your occupation.” 

“Ah, Javan, are you there?” said he with the manu- 
script, fixing upon him his dull eyes. 

“Yes; did you not perceive me before?” 

“ No ; but some light seems to be thrown upon the 
subject.” 

“ What have you discovered ?” 

“ I have found by this manuscript, which you know was 
left me by my father, that the great prophet of the just, 
and originator of our religion, Kiran, left upon the earth, 
before he was transported to Paradise, an inestimable gem.” 

“ Indeed,” exclaimed the youth, rubbing his chin, “ and 
what good do you think that will ever do us ?” 

“ The greatest.” 

“ What kind of a gem was it ?” 

“An emerald.” 

“ Really,” exclaimed he, laughing, “ an inestimable gem 
sure enough ! why, do you not know, father, that they are 
quite common and cheap? Not long ago I bought of a 
w^andering merchant several beautiful ones, that glittered 
greatly, and were as green as could be, and I had them 
fitted into a necklace, with which I encircled the lovely 
neck of my adored girl, Java, Kiran bless her !” 


12 


BUBBLES OF FICTION. 


“ Yes, jes, Javan ; but the great Kiran would not bless 
you, after talking in that style.” 

“ He would not 1” 

“ No, not he ; do you think he would be pleased to have 
his gem so abused 

“Well, then, give me an account of the stone; how large 
was it 

“ Of the size, my son, I know nothing, for the manu- 
script tells me not a word ; but of its qualities, great is the 
praise given.” 

“Ah,” said Javan, “ but wait one moment, father ;” and 
he arose and took from a corner an earthen pipe with a 
long stem, filled the bowl with a fragrant, though pungent 
weed, that grew in the surrounding country, and sitting on 
the leafy couch, applied the weed to the burning torch, and 
the end of the stem to his mouth; “proceed,” continued 
he, quietly smoking, “ I am ready to hear you.” 

“ But, first, my son, where is the water I asked you to 
get ? I much need it, for my throat is parched.” 

“ By your side, father.” 

The old man drank of the water, and then proceeded 
with the narration of what he had been reading ; when, hav- 
ing heard all the surprising qualities of the gem, Javan 
became determined to seek for it. 

“Kufan,” said he, “ where is that stone 

“ The manuscript says, as far as 1 can decipher, that it 
is on this earth.” 

“ That, father, is what I call really wonderful,” replied 
his son, sending a stream of smoke across the cavern ; “ on 
the earth ! Ha ! ha ! But in what part of it, for, if I do not 
mistake, our earth is very large, and I have heard that the 
great water surrounding it, is an immense distance off.” 


JAVAN. 


13 


“ That is true ; but I again find that the gem is in our 
country.” 

“ Then my resolution is made.” 

“ What may that be 1” 

“ To search for it.” 

“Do you know where to go ?” 

“ No ; but that you will doubtless yet discover.” 

The light waxed dim. 

“ Javan, light another torch.” 

He once more arose, and illuminating a new one, tossed 
the old from the cave, and which after describing a fiery 
streak and emitting showers of sparks, fell hissing in the 
placid lake beneath. 

“ My son,” said Kufan, after a short time spent in read- 
ing, “ the emerald as I have told you is in our country, 
but to find its place of concealment you will have to travel 
far.” 

“ What distance '2” 

“Were you ever beyond this range of mountains'?” 

“Never.” 

“ I have heard that beyond it lie deserts covered with 
burning sands, and where no green thing ever did or ever 
will grow ; animals of great ferocity abound in quantitieSy 
and no water is to be obtained.” 

“ And is that the place-to which I will have to proceed V’ 

“ You will have to cross this desert, and go unto a great 
city.” 

“ And that city, what is its name “?” 

“Kairo, the seat of magnificence, where it will be told 
you in what place the emerald is concealed.” 

“ Who is there to give me the information ?” 

“The manuscript is at an end, and I am unable to tell you.” 


14 


BUBBLES OF FICTION. 


“ Why will I have to go iso far ; is there no one here 
that knows f’ 

“ I know of none.” 

Javan meditated and puffed, and puffed and meditated, 
and then he puffed again. 

“ Why,” said he, with eyes still riveted on the ground, 
“ did you not get possession of the manuscript before ?” 

“ I was bade by my father on his death-couch — I well 
remember the scene — not to open the chest buried in a 
certain spot, of which he told me, till I was seventy years 
of age, should I ever attain that period of life. That order 
I have kept, and now is the time appointed ; this day I 
dug up the chest, and discovered the manuscript which I 
have read,” 

“ I suppose, then, he did not wish you to become 
acquainted with the secret,- till you had become too old to 
undertake the expedition in search of it 

“ That was his reason, I have no doubt ; and now, while 
I think of it, I recollect how he was once about under- 
taking a journey which he said would be full of perils.” 

“ In search of the gem ]” 

“ It may be, but he was dissuaded by a dream, which he 
would never disclose.” 

“ If, then, he wished not to undertake the journey, or 
thought there was evil in it, why did he not destroy the 
manuscript V 

“ Every thing is wrapt in mystery, and all I know I have 
told you.” 

“ From what you have said, I have come to the conclu- 
sion of undertaking the expedition, feeling sure I will be 
successful.” 

‘‘You are sufficiently old, my son, and understand the 


JAVAN. 15 

ways of the world, I have no objections to your detei-mina- 
tion, and may Kiran bless you.” 

Soon after they stretched themselves for the night on the 
bed of leaves, having first extinguished the torch. Javan 
slept but little, to tell the truth, for were not his thoughts 
occupied with the great emerald ? 


II. 

JAVA IS INTRODUCED TO THE READER, AND AN ACCOUNT IS 
GIVEN or THE VISIT JAVAN PAID HER, AND ALSO OF AN 
ADVENTURE THAT OCCURRED DURING THEIR RAMBLE. 

Having awoke the next morning at quite an early hour, 
Javan set forth for the habitation of his beloved Java, to 
pay her a short visit, and also to bid her farewell ; but his 
heart was filled with sorrow at the idea of not beholding 
her for so long a period as he anticipated being absent. 
After one or two hours’ tedious walking, he came to a lovely 
dell, in the center of which was erected the habitation of 
her parents. Around it stretched the soft green sward, 
sprinkled hither and thither with crimson and yellow 
flowers, while the dwelling itself needs a word or two to 
be said in its description, as it will be seen it was greatly 
unlike those ordinarily beheld. 

It was built of branches, inserted in the earth, and 
twisted and interlaced overhead, forming a thick roof, which, 
owing to the dense foliage, proved an impenetrable screen 
to the rays of the sun. These branches having been taken 
fresh from' the trees, and saplings having also been planted, 


16 


BUBBLES OP FICTION. 


they took root and grew, thus bearing at all seasons of the 
year a beautiful appearance. An entrance was made in the 
side facing a narrow stream. Women, I believe, are noto- 
rious for being fond of flowers. Is it not so, reader ? I 
have always found, what little I know of the sex, such to 
be the case. Well some of the inhabitants of this beautiful 
lodge had planted creeping vines, and they had grown over 
the branches and curled around them, forming a mass of 
flowers of every hue and of great fragrance, over which 
fluttered thousands of gaudy-colored butterflies, and, to 
judge from the great humming, one would suppose the busy 
bees also were at work. 

Javan stood on a high rock overlooking the whole glen : 
“ Magnificent !” exclaimed he, “ the glen, .how green ! the 
sky, how blue ! the abode, how superb ! but,” he added, 
clasping his hands, “ the flower that dwells there, great 
Kiran, how lovely ! Would to Heaven she were mine !” 
He fell into a revery : “ Mine ! do I wish she were mine ? 
Why can I not obtain her She is young, she is gay, she 
is beautiful ; I love her, and has she not told me that she 
returns my passion Her father and mother are aged ; 
time has weakened them ; their strength is nigh gone ; I 
marry the lovely girl ; I take charge of all ; my father, the 
aged Kufan, shall also have a dwelling near ; every thing 
will be right, and we shall all live a merry, happy life, and 
I know that Kiran will bless us.” Javan stopped, and 
standing in an attitude of prayer, exclaimed, “ Great Kiran, 
bless us !” and he again fell into a revery. “ That is one 
side of the picture, now for the other : happiness, content- 
ment, and J ava are in one scale of the balance, what shall I 
place in the other 1 What can I put therein that will weigh 
it down What has more attractions I The emerald; ayo, 


JAVAN. 


ir 


the emerald. J ava is beautiful, and dearly loves me ; the 
gem is endowed with supernatural qualities. Java may 
die, and then I would be plunged into sorrow, deadly sor- 
row ; but the green stone can never be taken away, for I 
would first part with my life ; but,— aid me, Kiran, and I 
shall possess myself of both jewels !” 

He then descended the zigzag path and entered upon the 
green lawn. As he advanced near the habitation music 
was heard, and he knew it to be Java singing, as was her 
custom in the early morning, for she had before told him 
that at that part of the day she always felt happy, and 
Javan, as he listened to her thrillingly sweet voice, acknowl- 
edged that he also felt happy. 

The song continued. 

Javan stood without, with clasped hands and bended 
head, listening to the melody ; — by-and-by it ceased. 

“ Java !” cried he, with a loud voice. 

In an instant a rustling was heard within, and through 
the open entrance of the lodge nished a female, who, in the 
next moment, was locked in the arms of the admiring 
youth. 

“ Java !” murmured he, and he pressed his lips, to hers of 
rosy hue. 

“ Javan !” 

He stood a few steps distant, admiring her beauty, when, 
as they thus stood, an artist might take the subject for a 
picture. We will describe them. 

The youth we have before presented to the reader ; a 
little difference was, however, remarked in his dress, as a 
white cloth, embroidered like his skirt, was passed over one 
shoulder, and fastened around his waist like a sash, with 
the knot on the opposite side. On his head he wore 


18 


BUBBLES OF FICTION. 


a crimson cap, ornamented with a dancing blue feather. 
Java was really beautiful. Her long, black, silky hair fell 
in graceful curls over her shoulders and bosom ; a skirt 
encircled her waist, and with this exception, her form was 
seen in all its marvelous loveliness. Now, I wish the 
reader to understand that there was nothing of the appear- 
ance of the negro about either of them ; her nose was as 
straight as that of a Grecian, and her full lips partook 
nothing of the Africans ; her teeth were even, small, and of a 
pure white, while her eyes were of a melting black, shaded 
beneath long lashes. Around her neck, and reposing on 
her bosom were the jewels Javan had given, and of which 
he had spoken to Kufan. How magnificently those green- 
hued gems appeared in the sunlight, as they lay upon her 
golden-hued brownish-colored breast ! Reader, what do 
you think of Java 1 But silence — she is about speaking. 

“ Javan,” said she, in words soft and musical, “ why have 
you been so long absent 

“ Java,” returned he, heeding not the question, “ how 
beautiful you are.” 

She blushed and smiled. 

Once more was she in his arms. 

An old man bent with age, supporting himself on a staff, 
appeared at the door of the vine-clad dwelling. He came, 
no doubt, to discover the reason of the young girl’s quick 
departure. As he saw them he turned and acquainted some 
one within with the view he had beheld, then he bid the 
youth enter. Java ran to her parent, and spake to him a 
few words. The old man again smiled, shook his finger at 
her, and re-entered the dwelling, while the girl, bounding 
to her lover’s side, spoke as follows : 

“I ask again, dear Javan, how it is that you have not 


JAVAN. 19 

been seen here for so long a time ; do you not still love 
your Java as formerly V’ 

“ Yes,” cried he, “ many times more than ever, but 
unforeseen occurrences have pi*evented me from perform- 
ing my duty. Do you think I would stay away unless 
something unusual should occur 

“ No ; but what has happened so unusual 

“ It is a long story ; let us walk, and I will tell you.” 

So they walked, and Javan, passing his arm around her 
waist, felt her’s rest upon his shoulder. 

“ Now tell me, Javan, what it was, for I am anxious to 
hear it.” 

“ I dare not. — I cannot yet.” 

“ Has misfortune happened unto the good Kufan, your 
father?” 

“ Misfortune has not happened unto him.” 

“ What then is it that afflicts you ?” 

“ I expect to be separated.” 

“ From whom — your father ?” 

“ Yes ; and one, too, who is yet more dear.” 

Java trembled. 

“ I expect for a time to be separated from you,” said 
Javan, gazing from her. 

“ Why, 0, Javan, why will you leave me? How can I 
live without you ?” 

“ For a time — ^but for a time.” 

“ Yes, yes ; but a day without you is as a year.” 

Several minutes were spent in silence. 

“ My Java,” exclaimed he, “ feeling her warm tears fall 
upon his shoulder, “ I will soon be back. Is not the loss of 
your presence as grievous to me ?” 

“ It cannot be ; it is not possible.” 


20 


BUBBLES OF FICTION. 


“ Stop, I beseech you ; the sight of your grief afflicts me.” 

“ Where are you going 

“ Many days’ journey distant.” 

“ And when will you return 

“ Kiran only knows.” 

“ Now, I have a proposition, if you would but grant it.” 

“ Let me hear it, then ; dry your eyes, and now for the 
proposition ; but first let me tell you, that if it is for me to 
give up my expedition, you may as well not say any thing.” 

“ It is time, I would not like you to go ; but it is not that. 
Am I not strong and able to bear fatigue ?” 

“ Ah, Java, it will never do. No, I must say — ^for I see 
your desire — that I will never agree for you to accompany 
me.” 

“ Why not f ’ asked she, with a trembling voice ; “ can I 
not share the dangers of the travel ? and it will not hurt me.” 

“ But how can you go w ith me ? for, in fact, I am not 
aware where I am bound ; all I know is, it is somewhere 
over the mountains, across hot sandy deserts, and exposed 
to the burning sun.” 

“ It is hot here, you know.” 

“ Yes ; but here you have trees to which you can retreat, 
and water in which you may bathe ; there, not a thing grows, 
and except in one or two places, water is unknown.” 

“ And are you going to risk your life in that country ? 
But what are you going for 

“ That must remain a secret, my dear one ; at any rate, 
know that you are always in my thoughts, and wLat I get 
you shall have.” 

And silence again reigned. They walked, and having 
passed through a romantic passage completely overshad- 
owed by trees, which connected the glen with another of 


JAVAN. 


21 


still greater extent, they emerged into the vale, and yet 
continued silent. The bank at whose base they now were, 
was densely covered with bushes and trees, and also was 
quite high. Javan having espied a flower some distance 
up the side, which he was desirous of obtaining, as he 
knew, in the language of flowers, it was expressive of devo- 
tion and love, requested Java to seat herself an instant on 
the soft carpeted bank, which here and there was free from 
bushes. She complied, and he mshed up through the thick 
vegetation. 

Above the head of the unsuspicious maiden protruded a 
branch, bearing blue bell-shaped flowers, which began to 
bend, and then was distinguished the head of a serpent — 
motionless. It was copper-colored and sprinkled with pink 
spots ; the mouth was open, the forked tongue laden with 
the deadly venom, dashed in and dashed out, the jaws were 
bluish, and broad and yellow were the streaks upon its 
throat. How fascinating were those eyes ! Good heavens, 
how they shone ! They were like black diamonds. The 
serpent began to move. The young girl was unaware of 
its presence. Stealthily and slowly it moved — away to the 
left, around a branch of the plant, and, as it noiselessly 
passed, could be seen between the openings, its beautifully- 
colored body gliding onward. 

Javan had nearly reached the flower. 

The head of the serpent was now seen behind the young 
girl, who was seated as we have stated, and was unaware 
of the threatening danger. Little, either, did that youth 
imagine he had started in his ascent a serpent from its den. 
The flower was obtained, and triumphantly descending, 
on a sudden was he startled by a loud shriek from Java; 
in an instant was he by her side, and grasping the neck of 


22 


BUBBLES OF FICTION. 


the reptile, with all his strength strove to unwind it from 
her body, for three or four times had it coiled itself around. 
Java shrieked with pain, for the reptile, in the agony of 
strangulation, was tightening its coils, while the courageous 
youth with all his force was compressing its neck. The 
eyes protruded from their sockets, the mouth opened, while 
the tongue, that awful weapon, was hanging quivering from 
thence,' and drop after drop of poison, perhaps, was slowly 
dripping to the ground. Java grasped the cold, loathsome 
body, and essayed to disengage it from her, but could not 
succeed, for in its death agony the serpent was lashing the 
ground with its tail, and tightening its folds upon the un- 
happy victim. She continually called upon her lover to 
relieve her, while the tears rolled down her cheeks, and her 
bosom contracted with pain ; she yielded, and sank upon 
the sward exhausted. Javan trembled with anxiety, and 
redoubled his pressure. The head dropped, the motion 
ceased, and the serpent was dead ; but to make sure of its 
fate, he seized a large stone that was near, laid down the 
head, and with one blow crushed it, then grasping its tail, 
commenced to unwind it, and rescue the maiden ; but she 
had fainted. A fountain was near at hand, gushing from 
the crevice of a rock. He formed a bowl with his hands, 
and in this manner carrying to her the water, sprinkled it 
upon her face. Who can describe his joy when he saw her 
eyes open 1 

“Javan !” cried she, with joy, though faintly ; and Javan 
raised her from the ground. 

“Javan,” cried she again, “ do I behold you, or is it but 
my imagining ; am I alive, or am I in the world of spirits ?” 

“ My dear girl,” he replied, “ you do behold me ; you 
are yet, thank Heaven, alive.” 


JAVAN^ 


23 


“ And the serpent 1” 

“ Lies crushed at your feet.” 

Ah,” said she, pressing her hand to her brow, “ what 
pain I endured, what sensations ! to feel the monster coil 
itself around me, and then grow tighter and tighter, my 
breath faint, and to know that death was nigh, and then, 
oh, Javan, to die without bidding you farewell. It was a 
horrible moment !” 

“ But it is all passed now ; hard work did I have to 
master him, but see ! his head is crushed ; his power is 
gone.” 

“ But, Javan,” she replied, faintly smiling, what a beau- 
tiful body ; how soft the scaly sides appear ; how beauti- 
fully variegated is his neck !” 

“Java, I like not to look at it, for it brings to my recol- 
lection how nigh you were being taken from me ; come,, 
let us be going.” 

“ I feel faint. I see water ; will you get me some I” 

And the young girl leaned heavily on the arm that, 
wound around her waist, supported her. At her request, 
the youth stretched forth his hand, and plucking from an 
overhanging bough a large leaf, formed it into quite a 
handy cup, then proceeding, and supporting as he proceeded 
his fair charge, held beneath the dripping crystal element 
his green-lined rustic goblet, which soon overflowed with 
the fluid, and which he then presented to her. She 
quenched her thirst and returned the cup, and he, having 
refilled the leaf, drank, placing to his lips that part which 
had been touched by hers, which she noticed, and- smiled in 
consequence. They then returned, and arrived near the 
habitation they had left ; but before they entered, it being a 
few rods distant, Java said, in a trembling voice ; 


24 


BUBBLES OF FICTION. 


“ So, Javan, you are to leave me 

“ Yes, dearest, but will soon return.” 

And you will not forget me 

“ Forget you? never ! Never, my dear Java, never will 
I forget you.” 

« And— and— ” 

“ But will you be true to me, J ava 1” 

“ Yes ; but why ask me ? Can you doubt my words ; 
have I not told you so many times ?” 

“ When I return I will seek you.” 

And you shall find me still entertaining the same feel- 
ings for you as now.” 

He unloosed from his ears the small and delicately- 
carved gold rings, in each of which was set a precious stone, 

“ Take them, Java,” he said, “ take them as a remem- 
brance.” 

“ Will you accept mine ? they are not so costly, but — ” 

“Yes; and I will wear them for, ever; give them to 
me ;” and he helped detach them. 

“ When I am far, far away, still will I have something 
that will bring you in imagination before me.” 

So the exchange was made, and the plain rings of the 
girl hung from his ears, while his sparkling golden ones 
were adorning still more her beautiful head. 

“ I cannot go in now,” she said, gazing,at him ; “ I cannot - 
show my tears unto them ; I will stay with you till you 
go.” 

“ That is at the present moment, Java ; come.” 

And they were again in each other’s arms, as though that 
embrace was their last. Java burst into tears as she hung 
upon his neck, and Javan felt the quick throbbings of her 
heart, as he pressed her close to his breast. Tearing herself 


JAVAN. 


25 


. on a sudden away, she ran quickly to a grove of trees, and 
he -saw her no more^ Entering the rose-embowered dwell- 
he made his adieux to the old couple, telling them he 
was about undertaking a long and perilous journey, and 
that Java, unable to conceal her grief at his departure, and 
not wishing to be seen in that condition, had gone to com- 
pose herself. They each grasped his hand, and the father, 
noticing his daughter’s earrings, Javan smiled, and soon 
after departed. 


III. 

JAVAN DEPARTS In SEARCH OF THE EMERALD. 

It was in the grey of the morning. Light tints lit up one 
by on6 the numerous snow-capped peaks around. From a 
pale w'hite they assumed a roseate hue. The eastern sky 
gleamed into quivering light, and breaking from the bands 
of sleep, and rending asunder in his power, the fiery clouds, 
the gorgeous King of Day arose majestically. It was a 
grand sight, and Javan stood at the mouth of the cave 
witnessing the same, and he also looked, meditatingly, in 
the silent lake beneath, and fancied he saw the form of her 
he loved reflected therein, but no form in reality did he 
there see, except the form of nature exemplified in the 
bushes, in the mountains, and in the trees. Soon a rustling 
noise was heard, and Kufan stood beside him. He was 
habited as formerly ; but the youth was shod with heavy 

2 


26 


BUBBLES OF FICTION. 


sandals, and grasped a long staff, possessing a glittering 
barbed point. 

“ My son, you are early risen.” 

“I always rise early, you know, father.” 

“ You are soon about to leave me 1” 

“ Yes, soon.” 

“Javan, you may forget your mountain home; you 
may forget, when you are in distant countries, and among 
strange people,' your father — ” 

“ Never !” interrupted the youth, with energy, “ never 
will I be guilty of such conduct.” 

“ And you may forget,” continued the old man, “ all 
your friends and relatives ; but oh, my son, forget not the 
great Kiran.” 

“ I shall not.” 

“ Forget him not, and he will not forget you.” 

“ I know it, father, I know it ; and may he bless and 
take care of you in my absence.” 

“ You now kiiow' the route to be taken 

“ Yes ; and you may expect me in a short time to return 
with the great emerald.” 

“ I hope so, my son.” 

So Javan having, with tearful eyes, embraced his aged 
parent, grasped his iron-shod staff, and strode away, while 
Kufan, wiping away a tear, re-entered the cave. It was a 
sorrowful sight to see. that parting; the son leaving his 
father; the father parting from his son. And Javan wont 
away, and the day weaned, and the twilight came, and the 
moon arose, and Kufan stretched himself in his now lonely 
cave, on the now unshared bed of leaves. Java also passed 
that night sorrowfully. Now sleep, when, betimes, it 
did visit her, was filled with visions of her lover — he 


JAVAN. 


27 


who saved her from death, from the venomous fangs of the 
serpent ; and she wondered what it could he that would thus 
take him so far away from home ; something of which he 
would not state a word, fearing, perhaps, that he might be 
induced to give up the undertaking. What could it be, 
too, that she would share '? Her mind was filled with med- 
itations like these, and sleep, in consequence, went far 
from her. 

Day followed day, week followed week, month followed 
month, and year followed year, but during all this time 
Kufan grew older, and so did Java, and more sedate, too, 
but Javan appeared not. What had become of him? 
Kufan wondered and wondered, and at last concluded that 
he must have departed this life ; suffering, the violence of 
enemies, or the fury of wild beasts might have brought 
him to an end ; and he rested with the idea that never again 
would he behold him, at least not in this world. Java 
grew sorrowful, as we have said, and her health declined. 
What had become of Javan ? Did he not promise soon to 
return, and had not a great length of time elapsed since 
that promise was made ? 


IV. 


A FLIGHT OF TIME. 


Three years flew past. 


28 


BUBBLES OF FICTION. 


V. 

KUFAN IS MADE HAPPY. 

It was evening. Kufan sat, with folded arms, gazing 
upon the mountain scene, when suddenly the mouth of the 
cave became darkened by a visitor. Kufan arose, but be- 
fore he had advanced three steps the unknown rushed 
towards him, and throwing his arms around his neck, 
exclaimed, in a voice hoarse with emotion, “ My father, oh, 
my father !” 

“ My son ! my son !” murmured the overjoyed parent, 
now will I die in peace, for I have once more beheld you.” 

It was Javan. 

“ My father, what pleasure it is to see you again,” said 
Javan, the next day, as they sat in the mouth of the cave. 

“ How pleased I am to see you ; but how is it you have 
stayed away so long f’ 

“ My adventures have been many, and my dangers have 
not been few.” 

“ Give me an account of them, my son.” 

“ I will, and will end them before the hour when you 
take your sleep.” 

“ Have you met with success 1” 

“ I think I have been successful in thus returning.” 

“ But the subject you departed about — the gem 1” 

“ You shall hear ; soon I will give you an account of 
every thing.” 

“ But first of all tell me, is it favorable or unfavorable 1” 

“ Favorable.” 

“ Then I am content • and now for your story.” 


JAVAN. 


29 


VI. 

JAVAN NARRATES HIS ADVENTURES — WITH THE DIONS. 

“ You know, father,” commenced Javan, “ that about 
three years ago (I think that is the time, having made 
inquiries since I returned) I left this, our cave, having first 
bid farewell to my friends, for a far distant country, among 
strange people, whom I knew not, neither their customs 
nor manners, and on an undertaking that would seem to 
those not let wholly into the affair, as foolish. I left, you 
recollect, in the early morning, and descended the moun- 
tains with feelings not easily described ; at times Sorrow 
reigned, for was I not leaving you, my father, and she 
whom I adored, and still do adore? At other occasions 
Sorrow was dethroned and Joy was triumphant in her seat, 
for was I not upon a search for the great emerald of Kiran ? 
So, then grasping my staff, which served me much in the 
descent, with a firmer grip, I quickly advanced, and, ere 
long, reached the bottom, where lay a country pleasing to 
the eye, for it was beautifully diversified. 

“ Towards mid-day, although I had partaken of so plen- 
tiful a repast in the morning, I felt the cravings of hunger, 
incited, no doubt, by my early walk ; so I looked about for 
something to satisfy myself, hoping some fruit or vegeta- 
ble might be found ; but such was not the case, and I was 
forced to go without eating. Onward proceeded the 
majestic sun, who was beginning to throw his rays more 
slantingly upon the earth, when I sudaenly pei’ceived be- 
fore me the tracks as if those of some small animal that 
oftentimes is used for food. I followed the traces, as they 


30 . 


BUBBLES, OF FICTION. 


were plainly imprinted in the sandy soil, till I came to a 
small hole in the side of the bank, and in which I had no 
doubt the creature was lying, such, I knew, being its cus- 
tom. It was my determination to kill and then eat it, for 
I was not over particular as to its being cooked, I can w'ell 
assure you, feeling sadly the effects of being so long with- 
out food. I advanced to the hole, and with the pointed 
end of my staff uprooted the earth to get at the occupant, 
when a sullen, though distant roar broke upon my ear. 
What this might be, I at first was sadly perplexed to tell ; 
no animal that I knew, was possessed of such a voice, and 
while meditating, the sound was repeated, but more dis- 
tinct, which made me think the animal, w^hatever it might 
be that produced it, was approaching. Is there danger? 
was the first question I asked myself. There is not, was 
the answer. Now you may think I thought very impru- 
dently, but I was of a different opinion, for there being 
quite a number of lofty trees around, I thought if, perad- 
venture, danger should come, I might seek refuge among 
the branches, and thus be placed out of its reach. 

“ Having come to these conclusions, I continued with 
great perseverance to unearth my destined victim. I had 
caught a glimpse of the creature, bent double, when a 
roar perfectly terrible startled me, and lifting my eyes I 
saw a huge quadruped, which I knv5w from descriptions to 
be a lioness, rushing at full speed towards me. Had I 
known to what animal belonged the roar I might have 
escaped; but such it seems did not happen, and I had 
barely time to collect my fleeing senses — for I was nigh 
forsaken by them — when she was within a very few feet 
of my person. I grasped my pointed staff, balanced it as 
you first taught when you placed it in my hands, took a 


JAVAN. 


81 


sure aim, and then hurled it. I was astonished at my 
success, for the barbed point entered her open mouth 
bristling with fangs, and, emerging, penetrated through 
her hind paw into the ground, pinning her in that position. 
I must have been endowed at that awful moment with 
more than ordinary strength, for never did I exhibit more 
dexterity or power. 

“ Horrible, indeed, was then the roar' that saluted my 
ears ; my father, indeed it was terrible, v I saw her writhe 
with the sharp pain, filling the air with her agonizing cries, 
and then essay to withdraw the instrument with her teeth ; 
but it was useless, for, as the point was barbed, when it 
had penetrated her foot of course it was impossible to 
be extricated. 

“ When thus my enemy was placed in a situation una- 
ble to do me injury I thought I was safe and free ; but ah ! 
how sadly was I disappointed, for it seems the consort of 
this beast was within hearing when she received the wound, 
and I now plainly perceived through the vista of the noble 
trees, the enraged animal bounding impetuously onward. 
To attempt, then, an escape by running would be totally 
fruitless, for could I flee from an enraged lion ? So I 
climbed the tree nearest at hand, and had but safely got 
among the branches when the king of the forest made his 
appearance, and the state of his mate being discovered, the 
roar of rage that followed will I never forget ; it exceeded 
any thing ever heard by me before, not excepting that of 
the lioness. He had, no doubt, caught a view of me, for 
in an instant was he crouched like a cat at the foot of my 
tree, growling, lashing his tail, and fixing his piercing eyes 
upon me. While in this situation I was safe ; but how 
long would that continue ? 1 felt exceedingly faint, and 


32 


BUBBLES OF FICTION. 


could hardly keep hold of the branch. At last, finding I 
was liable to fall, I arose and proceeded rather higher till I 
came where three or four twisted limbs formed quite a 
pleasant seat, and threw myself therein, I can assure you, 
more dead than alive. The rustling I caused made the lion 
think 1 was about descending or falling, for I beheld him 
spring to his feet and stand ready to pounce upon me the 
moment I touched earth. Howbeit, he w'as deceived. By 
chewing the green leaves I assuaged my thirst for the time 
being, but already began to look upon death as an event 
that would soon happen. 

“ The night arrived. The moon shed here and there a 
stray beam, and also lit up the figure of the beast, who still 
was glaring upon me. My situation was dreadful, for 
either I must stay where I was, and die of hunger, or fall 
and yield myself to the sharp teeth that from time to 
time met my view. Day approached. The lion I found 
asleep. F rom w'hat cause the animal thus slumbered I can- 
not, for my life, discover. I was really surprised. Such a 
thing had not presented itself to my imagination. As for 
the other beast, she, poor thing (for I really pitied her), 
died about the middle of the night. Her roars had been 
growing fiiinter and fainter for a long while, and gradually 
ceased. At first it w'as my idea she had succeeded in get- 
ting liberated, but, on a survey being taken, I beheld her 
lying stretched at full length upon the sandy soil, the lance 
still pinning her foot to her body ; but she had pulled it 
from the ground ; and it w^as then I saw the living one lying 
asleep ; at least that was my firm conviction, to judge from 
his closed eyes and regular, long breathings. I was now 
determined to escape — but in what manner 1 To creep 
down and thus get away would certainly awake the beast, 


JAVAN. 


33 


and I would be then lost ; so I supposed the only means 
of being liberated- was in my success and silence in getting 
from one tree to another (for the branches of one projected 
into those of the next), and so on till I was at a sufficient 
distance to trust to my legs. I arose, and softly crept along 
the branch on" which I was till I found it bended, so I was 
forced to ascend to the next, which was more firm. At the 
end of this I clutched the next, and in monkey fashion, 
but with hardly any noise, drew myself up, upon the same, 
and in spite of its bending, and to my gratification, suc- 
ceeded in getting to the next tree, and was thus distant a 
short space. In creeping along the bough I heard a rus- 
tling, which came from the lion ; he stirred, and fell again 
in silence. A long time did I linger, and then continued 
my hazardous route. I was then distant two trees. My 
hands were much wounded, while my limbs were, in ' 
like manner, exhausted and nearly unfit for use. The 
branch I was on chanced to be rotten, and in an instant I 
fell to the ground, happening in my good luck to escape 
without injury. I was silent. Did the lion hear me 1 I 
listened. All was still. I managed to increase the distance 
between us, and as tree after tree slowly was passed hope 
was raised in my breast, and I looked upon my escape as 
a thing of which 1 was sure. I now ascended a small knoll, 
and looking back distinguished the animal still lying in the 
same posture as when I was captive among the branches. 
To run at present might awaken him, for doubtless he 
was possessed of a very acute ear, and my footfalls might 
be the means of startling him, so I walked for some dis- 
tance and then ran.” 

“And what became of the lion'?” interrupted Kufan, 
who had been a very attentive listener. 

2 * 


34 


BUBBLES OF FICTION. 


“Well, father, it is my opinion he is still lying under 
that very tree, surprised why I do not niake my appear- 
ance.” 

“ And so you did not see him again 

“No; and exceedingly happy was I to part company in 
that way.” 

“ W ell, that was quite an adventure.” 

“ It was only told as a prelude to a more important 
occurrence that afterw^ard befell me.” 

“ Tell it, and I will listen to it wuth great pleasure.” 


VII. 

JAVAN NARHATES HIS ADVENTURES — WITH STRANGE PEOPEE. 

“Safe from one danger,” continued Javan, “another 
menaced me. Safe from the jaws of the lion, I was by no 
means safe from the jaws of famine. No! I knew that 
unless some unforeseen occurrence should take place by 
which food might be obtained, I would surely starve. I 
then began to repent my undertaking. What have I come 
after 1 murmured I ; after a thing of naught, a piece of 
imagination ; an emerald. I then smiled as I uttered that 
word, an emerald. Surely, and have I risked my life, and 
what, if possible, is more than that, my beloved Java, for 
a piece of mere green stone. But then once mine, I thought, 
suppose I should obtain that piece of mere green stone, 
what would be the consequence ? Oh, my father, imagine 
how enthusiastic I then became, and how I paced briskly 
onward in the direction I thought would bring me to that 


JAVAN. 


35 


country for which I set forth ; but my strength failed, 
and I sank exhausted on the ground. How long I lay I 
know not, but on awakening found myself in motion. I 
opened my eyes, though with difficulty, and looked — ” 

“ And what did you see 1” interrupted Kufan. 

“ What think you 1” 

“ I really do not know ; I am a veiy bad hand at guess- 
ing, but what did you see 

“ Nothing.’’ 

“Nothing!” 

“Absolutely nothing.” 

“ How was that ; were you blind 

“No; but there was a blinder.” 

“ Explain yourself.” 

“ There was a bandage across my eyes.” 

“ How did that come there 

“ When I found it was impossible for me to see, I tried 
to raise my hands to remove the obstacle, when I discov- 
ered they were lashed to my sides. I cried out, when a 
very gruff voice spake close to my ears, ‘ Be quiet, as you 
value your life.’ ‘ Where am I V said I. ‘ Hush,’ replied 
the voice, and I felt something cold on my neck, which was 
like the blade of a dagger. ‘ Tell me where I am going,’ 
spake I, no way abashed. I felt the point of the dagger 
resting on me. ‘ One more word from you,’ growled the 
gruff voice, ‘ and I will silence you forever.’ And there- 
fore was I silent. # 

“ Soon I heard the tramping of horses (it was my idea I 
was on one of those animals), and then it died away, 
and now I heard my master encourage his steed. Two or 
three times did he then urge him forward, which seemed to 
me as if he were escaping from something. The air grew 


36 


BUBBLES OF FICTION. 


cool, which made me think it was night ; but still on we 
went, though at a much slower pace. iThen the animal 
was put to a walk, and we entered a thick wood, to judge 
by the rustling of branches overhead, and the crackling of 
dead leaves underfoot. My master (for was I not in his 
power ?) then descended, and unloosing the bandages, I 
distinguished, by the uncertain light of the moon, the com- 
pany in which I was. I saw before me a man of great 
stature, of an intense darkness of skin, but whose eyes 
shone like those of the serpent that had, a long time since, 
attacked my Java — you remember the story. In his hand 
he carried an immense spear, that quivered like a reed, and 
with the exception of his legs, from the knees downward, 
his arms and his face, on which grew a long black beard, 
his body was completely bound up in folds of white cotton, 
and upon his head was a turban of like material. His 
horse, a noble animal, was by his side, nipping the branches 
within his reach. Immediately a dagger glittered before 
my eyes. ‘ Gry not, or move not,’ muttered my captor, 
‘ unless you wish to feel this blade.’ 

“ ‘ But who are you ; what do you want with me V 
asked 1. 

- “ ‘ Who am H I am your master. What do I want 
with you '? to obey me, — and, jny fine youth, if you do not 
conduct yourself in a manner becoming a submissive slave, 
recollect what I say to you, you will be the sufferer.’ 

“ ‘ But how came I in you^possession V 
“ ‘ You were lying on the grass, and I saw and secured 
the prize.’ 

“ ‘ Where are you going to take me V 
“ ‘ It is of no use for you to ask questions, for you will 
not get answered ; but 1 will just tell you this; the reason 


JAVAN. 


m 

why I wished to get before my company was to mark you, 
for such is the custom of our band, that when a slave is once 
marked he cannot be taken away ; he becomes the prop- 
erty of the purchaser ; but if one should see you were 
unmarked, he would fight for you, and if I got beaten you 
' would be his property. I am now here alone, and will 
mark you. Down upon your back.’ 

- “ I saw that it was useless to resist, for my arms were 
fastened, so I complied with his orders, and stretched my- 
self on my back, amid the withered leaves of autumn. 
He then knelt by my side, and with his dagger slowly 
passed the point of the same across my forehead. I 
remained motionless, for if I ventured to move the knife 
might wander from its course and injure me severely. 
When the bloody line was completed, he produced some- 
thing that felt like powder, for some fell on my face, and I 
could feel the smart as he laid a little train in precisely the 
place where before had been the weapon. 

“ ‘ Now,’ spake the grim-visaged man, ‘ you are my prop- 
erty. In a day or so, or as soon as the wound heals up, 
there will be seen across your forehead a light crimson 
streali, and though you should rub and wash as much as 
you please, it would be of no use, for such is the effect of 
the preparation I used, that immediately it stains the skin, 
and nothing known can take that stain away, and should 
you venture to escape, at a word the number of my com- 
panions would be great that would fly after you. Can the 
lamb escape the wolff I shuddered when I thought of 
my situation. ‘And,’ continued my master, ‘when we 
reach the band there will be given you a horse to lead on 
which my booty is carried, for all of us have extra horses 
to carry our prizes.’ 


38 


BUBBLES OF FICTION. 


“ At these words I came to the conclusion I had fallen 
into the hands of a marauding band of robbers, who, no 
doubt, were upon one of their expeditions, sweeping olf 
every thing within their reach, and committing all sorts of 
crimes when resistance was offered. My master, whose 
name I never heard, but whom, in telling my story, I will 
call Grim (for grim indeed he was), then opened his mouth 
and gave a long shrill cry, resembling, I believe, the cry of 
no living thing in Paradise, earth, or hell, and while the 
horse pricked up his ears and I wondered — no answer was 
returned. The cry was repeated, when afar off v:;as heard 
one of a similar character. Grim then sprang into his sad- 
dle, and dragging me before him whipped on his steed in 
the direction of the sound. He stopped, and again gave 
the cry. Nearer was the answer. The third time I was 
nearly deafened by the noise, and the third time it was 
replied, now quite near at hand. 

“ Shortly we came unto the encampment of these desper- 
adoes, Here they were in great numbers, grim as my 
master, and completely armed. A large tent was pitched ; 
beneath it were grouped the band, while many were picket- 
ting the horses, securing the plunder obtained during the day, 
or cooking the evening meal, while the green branches used 
for fuel cracked, and sputtered.^ and smoked, and burned 
away right cheerily. I was liberated from my bands, food 
was given, and soon blessed sleep deprived me of all know- 
ledge of my grievances. The next morning, quite early, 
we were on the move, and before night had crossed a great 
space of country. My time thus passed was, I assure you, 
any thing but agreeable, and I was constantly meditating 
on some way by which I might escape from bondage, and 
be in my former state of freedom. But in what manner 


JAVAN. 


39 


might I escape ? There was the question, for during the 
day to attempt such a thing would be the height of folly, 
and my only chance then was at night. Night would cast 
a shroud of darkness over my proceedings ; in darkness I 
might be freed, and it was my resolution to depart, no 
matter by what means. The next night I intended putting 
that resolution in action ; the way I knew not, but perad- 
venture something would turn up that might be favoring. 
The time came, and there was no moon, when, about the 
middle of the night, I sat upright on my cloth beneath the 
tent and looked around at the robbers, who were all 
wrapped in sleep, and crouched in every conceivable pos- 
ture ; near by, was my master, and by his side, within 
reach of my hand, was his dagger, which had fallen from 
his sash, and which was the identical instrument that had 
traced the bloody line across my forehead. My first idea 
was to get possession of it ; I stretched forth my hand, and 
it touched the handle ; I grasped it, and holding it firmly, 
for an instant narrowly watched the sleeper’s countenance. 
Had he opened his eyes, the blade would have reached his 
heart ; but he lay still, and then I crept slowly along, every 
now and then watching the faces of those I passed, for I 
was determined to escape, as I have said, at any rate. 
Outside the tent a boy saw me, and was about giving the 
alarm, when I beckoned to him ; he advanced, and 1 then 
told him (having my dagger gleaming before his eyes) that 
if he ventured to cry I would kill him. The threat had its 
effect, and I then gagged him and tied his hands behind 
him, and also his legs together, so that he could not give 
an alarm when I was gone. I yet recollect the youth, as 
he lay upon the ground, with rage in his eyes, though 
totally unable to speak a word. I then commenced walk- 


40 


BUBBLES OF FICTION. 


ing very briskly, and even ran, when another person, in the 
shape of a man, came unawares upon me ; to hesitate 
would be to me destruction, so I instantly, with a blow of 
my dagger, toppled him to the ground, and left him w^el- 
tering in his blood. When I now think of my act I shud- 
der ; but then, liberty was before my eyes, and liberty I 
was determined to have. 

“ Again I escaped ; but my question now was — as when so 
long previous I had escaped the lions — where could I obtain 
food? Two days I travelled onward, subsisting on roots 
and such berries as were to be found, and at night reposing 
in the branches of some lofty tree ; on the third, about 
noon, I came within view of some huts, and distinguished the 
inhabitants collected nigh them. At my appearance they 
became very friendly, and beckoned me to come nigher ; 
being exceedingly hungry, I acquiesced with their wish, 
and came near, but had hardly reached the first dwelling 
when some ten or twelve men rushed upon me, and being 
weak I offered not much resistance, and was led captive to 
a hut, into which I was pushed, and the entrance closed, with 
the exception of a small circular spot, which was occupied 
by the eye of one of my captors, who immediately smacked 
his lips. That smack made me tremble.” 

“ Why,” again interrupted Ivufan, “ should the mere 
motion of the lips cause a man like you to shake with fear?” 

“ Wait a moment,” replied Javan, “ and I will tell you. 
He went away, and then I saw the eye of another person 
who did not smack his lips ; then came a third and a fourth, 
and then a party of females, to judge froni their voices, 
who laughed and spake much in a muttering manner. At 
last one of them said, and I heard it distinctly, ‘ He will be 
prime when he is fat.’ I now trembled more than ever, 
and my heart throbbed violently.” 


JAVAN. 


41 


“ With love ?” asked Kufan. 

“ By no means ; but with horror, and with fear, and 
with despair.” 

“ Why, what was the matter ?” 

“ Soon a hand was extended under the entrance, holding 
a dish of boiled rice, which, having deposited, it disappeared. 
I touched not the food at first, for I knew but too well I had 
fallen into the hands of cannibals.” 

“ Of what !” cried Kufan, aghast. 

“ Of cannibals. I was reserved to be eaten by those 
very persons who had gazed at me, and by those very 
women whom I had heard express their sentiments. 
Though I was hungry, yet I did not wish to grow fleshy, 
and have my last day brought to hand, so I determined 
to eat just enough to support life, and- in the meanwhile 
seek a means to escape. Day after day was I kept in my 
prison, but at last they could not restrain their desire to 
taste my flesh, for one evening I was bound with cords and 
led to the center of the village, where were collected all the 
inhabitants, and where was a large blazing fire ready to 
receive me. Something now 1 was determined to do, so 
clinching my hands, for my dagger had been left in the 
heart of the robber I had killed, I turned about when loosed 
from the cords that bound my arms and feet (though why 
they loosed me at all I cannot conceive) preparatory to 
being stretched across the fire, and felled one, then another, 
and then another of my enemies, and seeing they drew 
their weapons, seized a fire-brand, dashed into the center of 
them, and by dint of brandishing the same, scorched, 
blinded, and astonished them, when, narrowly escaping a 
spear, I took to my heels and never stopped till I fell head- 
long from a precipice into a river, which I considered the 


42 


BUBBLES OF FICTION. 


luckiest thing that could have happened, for when carried 
down the stream I glanced up and saw the assembled mul- 
titude on the height above, with raised hands, regarding 
my progress. I dare say they considered me something 
more than human, for there they continued standing in the 
attitude of astonishment.”, 

“ A miraculous escape !” ejaculated Kufan. 

“Miraculous, indeed,” said Javan; and having taken 
breath, he went on with his story. 


vm. 

JAVAN narrates' HIS ADVENTURES — AND ENDS THEM. 

“ Every thing seemed to go' against me, and I crawled 
from the flood faint and weary, and threw myself in despair 
on the sandy beach. ‘ What hope,’ cried I aloud, in agony 
of despair, ‘ what hope have I of ever attaining that object 
for which I left my home V and echo repeated in a mocking 
manner — ‘ Home !’ ‘ What hope have 1 of ever seeing my 

father and Java f and echo again answered — ‘Java!’ 
‘ Great Kiran,’ cried I, falling or! my knees, and crying with 
a loud voice, ‘ give me strength that I may proceed onwards, 
and echo said — ‘ Onwards 1’ — and again — ‘ Onwards 1’ — and 
afar off could be heard— ‘ Onwards 1’ I arose, and deter- 
mmed to go onwards. 

“ As I have already said, every thing went against me, 
and I will tell you in what manner. When sufficient 
strength was obtained, I set forth and wandered, in fact, I 
knew not where, slowly and sadly. So many incidents 


JAVAN. 


43 


had happened that I considered myself fated either to die 
the death of a slave, or one more horrid. First, I had 
escaped from lions, then wandering robbers, then, and lastly, 
from being eaten by human beings. ‘ It is useless for me 
to try to evade any evil, and I do. not doubt but that, were 
danger to come, I would yield to it.’ Hardly had that 
thought passed through my brain than I heard in the dis- 
tance the sound as if of many horses, and then they sud- 
denly appeared, and, as I was distinguished, they were 
directed towards me. I sought not to escape ; the men 
expressed no astonishment at my resignation, and one of 
them, quickly mounting me before him, away we went. 
My possessor did not say a word, and I kept silence. 
Away we sped, and after some time entered quite a large 
collection of houses,, where all the inmates rushed forth and 
filled the air with their bo^terous hurrahs at my capture ; 
but what to make of all this was certainly beyond my 
comprehension. Were they going to cook and eat me? 
Should I again escape fire ? 

“ The village was situated on the side of a high moun- 
tain, one of a long range that on the right and left I had 
seen disappear in the blue haze of the distance. It was 
about sundown. I was carried to a square door opening 
to a cave dug in the side of the mountain, and when it was 
opened, thrust therein ; the entrance being quickly fastened 
with a billet of wood. For an instant or two, my eyes 
being unaccustomed to the darkness, I could see nothing, 
but shortly, little by little, I distinguished a human being 
seated near the wall, with his head resting on his knees. 

I approached, and laid my hand upon his shoulder, when 
instantly I found myself lying on the opposite side of the 
cavern, stretched at full length. 


44 


BUBBLES OF FICTION. 


“ ‘ I told you not to come near me again, and the next 
time you do I will kill you,’ growled the stranger. 

“ I was astonished. 

“ ‘ You received a little this time, but the next I will kill 
you.’ 

“ These words, proceeding from the mouth of the stranger 
who had knocked me over, and who was now glaring upon 
me, caused me no little surprise. 

“ ‘ Surely,’ said I, advancing, ‘ you are mistaken, I have 
never been here before.’ 

“ ‘ W hat have I done ?’ said he, in a changed tone of 
voice, ‘ so you are not him who placed me in this hole 1’ 

“ ‘ You see I am not.’ 

“ ‘ Who, then, are you V , 

“ I acquainted him with the circumstances that had be- 
fallen me since I left the robbe||^ 

“ ‘ Your hand,’ cried he, grasping it, ‘ we are then brothers 
in misery.’ ^ 

“ ‘ Have you been a prisoner long ?’ 

“‘For so long a time, that I am puzzled to know, in 
reality, how long it is.’ 

“ ‘ And what are they going to do with you V 

“ ‘ Sacrifice me, as they will you. When I was taken,’ 
continued the unfortunate, throwing himself on some leaves 
ill the corner, and motioning me to do likewise, ‘ I knew 
that the day, the feast day, of their god Lula was sometime 
or other to be celebrated. I am not of this people ; my 
land is far, far away, where they have no idols, where they 
have no god but — ’ 

“ ‘ Kiran,’ interrupted I. 

“ ‘ Precisely ; and where all the people live in peace and 
happiness, and in love with one another. But as I grew 


JAVAN. 


45 


older I was tired of that land — ^good Kiran, shall I ever see 
it again, that happy land ! — and was anxious to travel. I 
did travel, and the whole amount of it was that I arrived 
in this place and was taken and imprisoned, to serve as one 
of the victims to be sacrificed to the god Lula.’ 

“ ‘ Am I then the other V 

“ ‘ You are ; the more victims sacrificed, the greater, so 
they say, will Lula be gratified.’ 

“ ‘ Accursed people,’ cried I. 

“‘You are right,’ said the stranger, ‘they are accursed, 
and will certainly get — ’ But no matter what he did say. 

“ ‘ No doubt of it ; so you think all the time between the 
present moment and the time of celebration will be em- 
ployed in collecting victims.’ 

“ ‘ I feel certain of it.’ 

“We were then silent.^ 

“ ‘ My friend,’ said I, after a short interval, ‘ I have 
already escap^ from numerous perils, is there not some 
way of escaping this V 

“ ‘ I see none,’ he replied, and I heard him sob. 

“ ‘ What ! are you weeping Have you not the strength 
of mind to bear up under this affliction V 

“ ‘ I have not. Know, oh stranger, that I have a wife and 
child in the land where I was born, and which I left, being 
driven by that accursed Spirit of Travel.’ 

“ ‘ My friend, I weep with you and pity you ; pity me, 
for I am nearly in like condition.’ 

“ ‘ Have you also a wife to mourn your loss V 

“ ‘ No ; but I have left behind one as dear, who was soon 
to have been my partner ; but come, put a brave face on 
the matter ; something within me tells me we shall escape, 
and I shall see the dear one whom I have left,’ cried I, 


46 


BUBBLES OF FICTION, 


springing to my feet, ‘ let us arise ; are we not strong ? 
Let us by our united efforts break down the door, overturn 
the sentinel, should any be there, and trust to our legs 
for safety ; are you a good runner V 

“ ‘ Yes, and I applaud your advice ; so let us collect our 
strength, and make one bold effort.’ 

“We then retreated to the end of the cave opposite the 
door, through whose cracks streamed faintly the light of 
day, and rushing with all the fury imaginable dashed upon 
it, and the fastenings gave way, and down it came to 
the ground, overturning in its course a poor sentinel, who, 

I really believe, imagined the world was coming to an end, 
for he shouted in a most horrible manner, whether from 
pain or fright I knew not. Now, the screaming of this 
youth was precisely what we did not wish, so my com- 
panion applying a well-directe^jlow levelled him for the 
second time, and we took to our heels ; but too late, for 
the boy had given the alarm, and the inhabitants, turning 
out in great numbers, and not feeling particularly well 
pleased to be deprived of their prizes, did their best, and 
we were recaptured, our hands and feet tightly lashed, and 
rethrown in the sarrie place from which we had escaped ; 
when the broken door having been replaced and fas- 
tened as well as possible, and finding there was no possi- 
bility of flight, a single sentinel, so I understood from the 
conversation without, was appointed to keep guard, and 
the inhabitants returned .to their huts, having first given us 
to know that we were to be sacrificed the following morning. 

“The day wore away, and night arrived. Near me I 
noticed a small piece of sharp and jagged stone protruding 
from the wall of the cave, and which was so small that it 
could hardly be perceived, but was very apparent when 


JAVAN. 


47 


the hand was passed over it ; and this small article was to 
be the key that would unlock our prison, or, in other 
words, the instrument that would cut asunder our cords. 
I then got upon my knees, although suffering greatly (for 
my ankles were so tightly bound together that any move- 
ment caused them to be very painful), and raising my 
hands, commenced rubbing the cord that held them upon 
the stone. Little by little the string gave way. My 
companion noticed my proceedings with a beaming eye, 
and could hardly prevent giving a triumphant shout as 
he saw me loosen my hands. My first impulse then, 
when my hands were at liberty, was to be free entirely by 
undoing the ligaments around my feet, but the recollection 
that my companion was yet bound called me to his res- 
cue, and so with some difficulty I untied his cords, and 
then we both liberated our feet. What should we do 
then ? To break forth as formerly, would only be a repe- 
tition of the former capture, and we should by no means 
escape the morrow’s sacrifice. My companion thought of 
an expedient, and both of us lying on the ground, as 
though yet bound, he commenced moaning and groaning, 
as if in great agony. The sentinel laughed, which raised 
my anger, and in a whisper I advised a rush, but he shook 
his head, and bid me keep still, and then continued his 
moaning ; then he began to call on his god, and ask par- 
don for a great sin committed. The guard here spoke, 
and told him all his sins would be atoned for on the mor- 
row, for then King Lula would eat his heart ! The moan- 
ing was not stopped, but in the intervals he told the keeper 
that he had, some time previous, murdered a man, and bu- 
ried his wealth in a certain spot that he could designate ; 
that he was very sorrowful, and wished a priest of Lula was 


48 


BUBBLES OF FICTION. 


near, that he might confess unto him, and receive forgive- 
ness, and then he would discover the place of the conceal- 
ment of the riches, which might be given to Lula at the 
time of his sacrifice, as an extra atonement. I smiled as 
I became aware of the stratagem of my companion. 

“ The guard ceased laughing at the mention of the gold, 
and then said that he himself was a priest of the great 
Lula ; that he would hear his confession, and receive his 
wealth to offer it to the great king. The sufferer, though 
aware of the tremendous falsehood uttered, acquiesced, and 
the door was partly opened ; and in the faint light I saw 
the man enter, and proceed towards the moaning person. 
He then commenced his confession, which, in reality, was 
a very artful story. He lay so that his liberation could 
not be discovered, and, as the guard crouched by him, 
gave a story of the murder that, hardened as I was, made 
my blood freeze. Could he, in reality, mean what he said 1 
Could it be possible that a human being would act in that 
way 1 But let me state, that afterwards he said all was but 
the work of his imagination. As the bloody narrative 
proceeded, his voice grew more and more husky, and the 
sham priest thought in reality he was dying. 

“ ‘ Speak louder,’ — he exclaimed — ‘ speak louder.’ 

“‘Well — when my knife — had — my knife — had done 
its work — I robbed him of all his gold and jewels — ^gold, 
and there was — gold and jewels — 

“ ‘Well, what then '? Speak louder.’ 

“ ‘ And his gold,’ (his voice near died away) ‘ and dig- 
ging a hole deep — deep— buried him there — the man — 
killed.’ 

“ ‘ And the gold, what did you do with that ?’ 

“ ‘ The gold, what gold V — and his mind appeared wan- 
dering — ‘ what — what gold V 


JAVAN. 


41 > 


“ ‘ The fruit of the robbery ; what did you do with it V 

“ ‘ Oh — yes — I buried — deep — deep.’ 

“ ‘ Where V 

“ ‘ Beside—’ 

Where f — cried the guard, advancing still nearer, 
and bending over him, so as to hear his last breath — ‘ tell 
me ; where is it buried V 

“ ‘ Beside ; beside the man — knife — ^gold — jewels — be — ’ 

“ ‘ Where was it V — cried he, with great anxiety, bend- 
ing still closer, and placing his ear over the mouth of the 
supposed dying man. 

“This was the moment desired. ‘Accursed!’ growled 
the resuscitated — ‘ receive your reward 1’ — and in an instant 
the guard felt himself clutched by the neck, and while thus 
held, I sprang and overturned him, and placed my knee 
upon his breast. ‘ Shall I kill V cried my friend, grasping 
the dagger that was in his victim’s belt, and aiming the 
keen point. — ‘ No, not when we can manage without it, 
but just bind him tightly, while I hold him.’ It was 
quickly done. ‘Now,’ again said I, ‘with the dagger 
scrape down a quantity of earth, and when you have suf- 
ficient, bring it here and we will gag him,’ The earth was 
brought ; his mouth was quickly filled ; and, untying the 
cloth that hung from his waist, it was torn in strips, and 
bound tightly around his head, thus forming a perfect gag, 
which we defied all his powers to remove ; and taking one 
last look at the doubled-up figure (for his hands we fasten- 
ed to his opposite feet) my companion told him we were 
leaving for the treasure, and, refastening the door, de- 
parted. 

“ My story is now soon ended. W e wandered about, 
fortunately escaping the inhabitants, till we encountered a 
3 


50 


BUBBLES OF FICTION. 


company of merchants bound to Kairo, and joined them. 
My companion fell sick when we were in the vast desert, 
and he was, with his camel, left behind, for such was the 
custom. I arrived at the great city, and, after some time 
spent there, at last met an old sage, who told me all about 
the manuscript left by your father. He took me into his 
sleeping-room, and showed unto me a square iron box, but 
without any fastening, telling me that he who could open 
it would discover the place where the emerald might be 
found, and that many old and young men had tried, but 
could not succeed. I lifted the cover, and found a small 
box. Some grotesque characters were wu-itten on a brass 
plate, which was highly polished, and ornamented its top. 
The sage advised me not to open it till I saw you (for he 
seemed not only to know your name, but also all about 
you), and I agreed so to act; we parted company, and 
here I am before you.” . , 


IX. 

THEY OPEN THE BOX. 

Javan had ended his narrative. 

“Now,” said Kufan, “let me see the box.” 
Javan produced it. 

“ Open it.” 

Javan opened it. 

“ I see nothing.” 

“ Nor I either.” 

Both looked blank. 


JAVAN. 


51 


«Kufan!” 

“Javan !” 

“ The sage has deceived me.” 

“ And you have had your labor for nothing.” 

“ Is there nothing in it ?” 

“Nothing.” 

Javan viewed the box, and with fury dashed it to the 
ground. 

“ And you have now lost your box.” 

“ So much the better, for I shall now have nothing to put 
me in remembrance of my troubles.” 

“ But look, there are some characters.” 

And by the light of the torch, which was thrust in the 
crevice of the rock, Javan saw that on the inner side of 
the bottom of the box figures were indented! 

“ Sure enough ; the mystery is solved, and the sage has 
not deceived me.” 

“ Read them, Javan.” 

“ I cannot ; try you.” 

And he handed him the broken piece, when Kufan, after 
some studying, spoke to the effect, that the jewel would 
be found on the top of Mount Pandan, and that the en- 
chantment of the skulls would have to be performed. 

“ On the top of Mount Pandan 1” 

“Yes.” 

“ Then I am determined on going thither.” 

“ Do you know the way *?” 

“No.” 

“ Can you perform the enchantment 1” 

“ No — can you 1” 

“Yes.” 

“ Then all will be right.” 


62 


BUBBLES OF FICTION. 


“ I fortunately possess all the articles.” 

“ Then you will go along 1” 

“Yes.” 

“ When shall we start f ’ 

“ To-morrow morning, at sunrise.” 

“So be it.” 

Javan extinguished the torch, and then they retired. 


X. 

THE PILGRIM ON HIS JOURNEY. 

The sun was setting — setting in -the midst of gaudy- 
colored clouds — setting in the distant mountains of those 
airy articles which were piled in fantastic shapes — the sun 
was shining o’er the scene. 

A distant peak of snowy whiteness was being suffused 
in roseate hues, when in the vale beneath trod slowly 
along an aged man, whose feeble steps were aided by a 
staff, and w^hose eyes were riveted on the already noticed 
peak; his visage was careworn; his long hair, and still 
longer beard, were of an iron-grey, approaching to white- 
ness ; his only garment was composed of a brown mantle, 
wrapped in many folds around him, while coarse sandals 
guarded his feet. 

The scenery of the country through which lay the route 
of this aged man was exceedingly beautiful : before him 
was distinguished a zigzag path winding through a pleasant 
valley, and lost behind bushes and rocks, and then seen 


JAVAN. 


53 


wandering on and on, till its end was lost as it ascended 
the side of the monstrous mountain far ahead, whose peak 
nigh melted in the air. Green bushes, tall, nodding palms, 
with stems exceeding straight and smooth, and with mag- 
nificent tufts of long green leaves at the tops, waving 
gracefully, were on either side ; majestic old trees grew 
hither and thither ; laughing springs and bubbling rivulets 
danced merrily through the flower-besprinkled* grass, and 
sweeping law*ns spread before the beholder in every di- 
rection. 

It was a magnificent scene, and though surrounded by 
all these charms of nature, the pilgrim paid them not the 
slightest attention ; his lips moved slowly, and steadfastly 
gazing on that distant peak, did he continue his journey. 

The sun sank. 

The pilgrim also sank upon his knees, and bowing his 
forehead to the green turf, offered a prayer to the great 
Kiran, the God of heaven and earth, in which he stated 
how he had been long travelling, and how faint and weary 
he then was, but yet possessing perseverance in his object, 
he wished sufficient strength and ardor might be given, to 
enable him to reach the place of his destination, and when 
he arrived there he might meet with his rew^ard. Tor an 
instant he stopped, and then continuing, thanked his Cre- 
ator for all His past mercies. He arose, and proceeding 
to a spring, drank of its pure w*ater, and then proceeded 
on his way — but faint and weary was that pilgrim old, 
and, notwithstanding his anxiety to advance, he fell on the 
green sward, totally unable to move a single limb. 


54 


BUBBLES OF FICTION. 


XL 

THE READER IS EAVORED WITH THE VIEW OF A BEVY OF — 
BUT READ AND YOU WILL KNOW. 

Loud was the laugh, and merry withal, that now was 
heard proceeding from behind a clump of blossom-clad 
bushes ; nearer did it come, and now was plainly distin- 
guished the rustling of leaves, as if some one was crushing 
them underfoot — the bushes were pressed aside, and forth 
sprang a female, who would have advanced had she not on 
a sudden been arrested by the view of the fallen pilgrim ; 
and let us seize that moment of surprise to give her descrip- 
tion. 

She was of the medium height and most divinely made ; 
in fact the most skillful sculptor could not have made a 
better form. Her color was of a goldtin brown, and she 
stood in the attitude of surprise, one foot thrown a little 
back, as was also her body, one hand carried to her lips, 
and the. other slightly extended, and the yet strong glow 
of the heavens threw her in beautiful light and shade. 
Her hair, extremely long and curling, was thrown back 
and kept in its place by a wreath of roses, intermingled 
with opening buds ; her lips were full and rosy ; her eyes 
very sparkling, and her hands uncommonly small and well- 
formed. A dress, curiously embroidered, fell to her knees, 
while a pink scarf encircled her slender waist, and the ends, 
where it was loosely tied, descended nearly to the small 
sandals which seemed by golden bands to be fastened to 
her tiny feet ; amulets, armlets, and necklaces of precious 
stones, completed her attire. 

Her stay was short, for uttering a slight scream she 


JAVAN. 


55 


bounded away, and retreated between those bushes whence 
she came forth. Is not the curiosity of females notorious? 
Soon the leaves again rustled, and the same beautiful face 
was seen, and those eyes were peering at the still motion- 
less man ; then another face was distinguished, and yet 
another, till at last four female faces were perceived amid 
the thick foliage. The first person stepped forth, another 
followed, and having gained courage, they at last formed a 
group, a lovely group, around the aged man. W ould not 
he have been perfectly fascinated had he beheld those eight 
eyes gazing at him ? They were a beautiful set of smiling- 
faced females ; but the rest paid a respect to the first that 
could not escape the beholder, and her amulets and trin- 
kery, and the embroidery of her dress and sandals were 
much more costly than theirs, which would seem to desig- 
nate her as being of higher birth. 

“ Ellee,” she said to a sprightly girl by her side, “ what 
do you think of it?” 

“ Certainly, lira, I cannot tell.” 

“ Nor I,” said another, whose glossy ringlets were bound 
w'ith crimson buds, and whose name was Meemee. 

“ Nor I,” added another, whose scarf that hung around 
her bosom was of green gauze. 

“ Is he dead ?” asked Ellee. 

“ I do not know,” replied Ura ; “ I never saw any thing 
dead but my little golden-plumaged bird.” 

“ And how did he look ?” inquired she of the green 
gauze, named Poulee. 

“ Like this man ; he laid so still, so motionless.” 

“ He does not move,” remarked Ellee. 

“ No,” added Meemee, who possessed, by the way, most 
sparkling eyes, “ he does not.” 


56 


BUBBLES OF FICTION. 


“ Ah, Meemee,” said Ura, “ what would you advise us 
to do?” 

“ Yes ; let us have your opinion,” said Poulee. 

“ Now for the advice,” added Ellee. 

“ Well, girls,” spake she, “my advice is to run away 
just as fast as we can.” 

“ liun away !” cried they all together. 

“ Yes ; just as quick as — ” 

“ But why ?” 

“ Why ? he may be asleep, and — ” 

But no sooner did these words escape her lips than the 
maidens, alarmed at the danger they were in (that is, if he 
were asleep, and should awake), than they scampered away 
like a troop of frightened deer, in every direction. But 
the pilgrim gave no signs of life, and after a while they one 
by one stole forth again, and occupied th,eir former places. 

“ .He is yet still,” said Ellee ; “ why did we run away ?” 

“ Why ? there is the question,” answered Ura ; “ now 
if it had been some young warrior it would have been right 
for us to run ; but see, this person wears the appearance of 
a sage.” 

“ So he does,” said one. 

“ See his staff,” said another. 

“See his grey beard,” said the third. 

“No;” again said Ura, “if this had been Baffra, my 
beloved, 1 would run away, as it would not be proper for 
me to stay ; but here is one that has a right to be helped ; 
he is, perhaps, asleep, say you ; well then, all is well, 
he will do us no harm.” 

“ But suppose,” said Meemee, “ suppose he were not 
asleep, what would you do then ?” 

“ Ha ve assistance brought. Which of you will take him 


JAVAN. 5T 

by the arm and gently shake him? which of you will 
doitr 

No one spake, but quickly drew back. 

“ Then,” continued Ura, “ I will ; why be afraid % have 
I not told you there is no danger 1” And so saying, she 
advanced a step or two, stooped, and gently shook him by 
the arm ; but quite exhausted was the poor man, and not a 
sound escaped his lips. 

“ He is sick — perhaps dead,” said she. 

“ I shudder,” exclaimed Ellee — “ dead !” 

“ He may be ; he may not be ; but run, Ellee, run to the 
tent, and bid my attendants, come ; if we can succor this 
holy man it will be an act meeting the approbation of the 
great Kiran. Ellee, run — run !” 

And Ellee ran, and in a short time Ellee, the sprightly, 
returned. The two eunuchs who followed, held a short 
conference, and then with care lifted him in their arms. 
Meemee having taken possession of the staff, and the other 
girls walking with Ura in the midst, and their arms around 
each other’s necks, the whole company moved slowly on- 
wards in the direction of the tent. 


xn. 


PIPE-SMOKING AND STORY-TELLING, AND THE EMERALD IS SEEN, 
AND TRANSFORMATIONS OCCUR. 


Between the light green trees an opening was discover- 
ed leading to a beautiful clearing, covered with the softest 
3 * 


58 


BUBBLES OF FICTION. 


grass, and in the middle of which was erected the tent, 
composed of purple cloth streaked with gold, and having 
a couple of pink streamers waving from the summit of 
the pole in the center. This tent met the grass on every 
side, and was impenetrable, save in front, where a looped- 
up portion served as an entrance.' There a few eunuchs 
sat cross-legged within view, who, on the appearance of 
the company, quickly arose, and hastily advanced to dis- 
cover what was the matter, and who was the aged man 
they bore. 

The matter was soon explained, and then Beilin, the 
chief of the dusky attendants, had the pilgrim carried ’ 
within the tent, and being quite noted for his success as a 
physician, by aid of medicines and proper treatment 
brought him to his senses. His eyes opened, and he 
looked around. Great was- the »joy of the lovely lira, 
that she had been the means of rescuing a holy man from 
death, and great also was the pleasure of the three other 
females. 

“Which” exclaimed the pilgrim, w^hen he had so far 
recovered as to be able to speak, “which of you is my 
benefictress f’ 

The three girls exclaimed with one breath, as they 
pointed to the silent Ura — “She!” 

“ Accept, then, my daughter” — said he, kneeling before 
her — “ my thanks ; may Kiran bless you !” 

“Arise, my father,” she replied, “I have done but 
my duty.” 

“ Kiran will bless you.” 

“ Now, my father,” she continued — “ will you not give 
me the history of your life, and tell me from what cause 
you came to be placed in the position I found you'?” 


JAVAN. 


59 


“ My daughter, the incidents of my life are few, and to- 
tally unworthy your notice ; but since you have desired to 
hear, I will tell them.” 

“ Do so, my father. Beilin, place a cushion.” 

And the aged man sat cross-legged. 

“ My father, do you smoke 

“ A pipe would be acceptable, my child.” 

“ Beilin, a pipe.” 

And a pipe was produced ; a slave filled the bowl with 
a fragrant weed, and soon clouds of smoke encircled the 
aged man’s head, and betimes completely hid it from view. 

“Meemee,” said Ura to her attendant, “bring me 
mine with the amber mouth-piece.” 

And a delicately carved pipe was soon resting on the 
floor before her, and the amber mouth-piece inserted be- 
tween her lips gave passage to the smoke that now escaped 
therefrom. 

“Are you ready, my daughter, to hear the narrative 

“ I am.” 

Ura reclined upon her cushion, encircled by the three 
females ; and as she smoked at intervals, she first sent a 
puff at Meemee, then one at Poulee, and then at Ellee, 
and then sent one up in the air, watching it as it wreathed 
itself. The pilgrim then opened his mouth, and, between 
the intervals of the smoke clouds, spoke as follows : 

THE pilgrim’s STORY. 

“ My father, oh, lovely hearer” — said he, addressing his 
conversation to the attentive Ura — “ was a king, a mighty, 
far-famed king. I had two brothers, one of them older 
and the other younger than myself. The latter was my 
favorite. We would ride together, and thi*ow in concert 


60 


BUBBLES OF FICTION. 


the lance, and in all my expeditions he was my companion. 
Those were sunny days.” 

Several minutes were spent in puffing dense clouds. 

“ The sky, clear, and blue, and bright, became dark, and 
black, and dismal. Pleasure fled away on her quickest 
wings. Despair reigned in the castle of the king, my 
father. Sorrow was everywhere. Why — why was there 
darkness, and despair, and sorrow, and dreariness? My 
eldest brother died — ^aye, died. He died, but how ? Pois- 
on did the work. Who could have so done ? Mystery 
was over all. The name of the assassin remained in dark- 
ness. 

“The night was dark. The moon was not up. The 
stars refused to shine. An awful night ! The winds roar- 
ed. The rain descended. It was a terrible night. Ter- 
rible for me. My younger brother was struck with sud- 
den sickness. A year had elapsed since his brother’s 
death, lii his darkened room lay he upon his couch. 
His head was hot and his cheeks were feverish. His hand 
was burning. His pulse was high. I watched him. Al- 
ways was he with me during his health, and when unwell 
should 1 forsake him ? No ! — no ! I loved him, and 
guarded him. In that room sat 1 by his couch, with my 
face buried in my hands, weeping. My heart was full. I 
could not refrain from weeping. But a sound was heard. 
He was talking in his sleep. How fearful were the words 
he uttered ! How I trembled as I heard them, and wished 
to close his mouth, that he might not utter them, but 
could not. O Kiran ! would I had never heard them !” 

The pilgrim relinquished, his pipe, and hid his face in 
his hands. Ura thought she saw tears fall therefrom. 

“Father,” said she, “are you indisposed?” 


JAVAN. 61 

^‘I am not, but the recollection of that evening over- 
powers me.” 

“ Perhaps you wish not to tell me the events that then 
occurred.” 

“ You have wished to hear all ; I will tell you all.” 

“The sick person,” continued the pilgrim, “muttered, 
I heard it. I recollect it. ‘ Ah, it is well,’ murmured he, 
‘it is well to find fault — very well — ^but am I not the 
youngest? The dark night — all propitious — the sooth- 
sayer — you will be king — I will be king ! — how I sprang 
for joy ! King ! — my brother — love — cup — poison — do 
not kill me, I beseech you — drink — drink, or you die — 
sword glittered before his eyes — drink — take — drink — flee 
— death ! — death ! ! — death ! ! !’ Such was the muttering I 
heard. How awful was the intelligence ! He told me in 
his sleep how he, being the youngest, desired to be king 
over all, and had not waited for a natural, but made an 
unnatural death. No doubt my death was also planned. 
When the mutterings were finished, I cried aloud, and it 
awoke the sleeper. — ‘Pelod’ — cried he — ‘Pelod’ — I an- 
swered not. — ‘Pelod, where art thou?’ ‘Here’ — said I, 
in a hoarse voice, ‘and, Pelon, I heard the — confession.’ — 
‘ Confession !’ — cried he, sitting in his couch — ‘ confession ! 
what ! when !’ ‘You were asleep — you murmured.’ ‘ And 
you heard all?’ — ‘I heard all.’ — He fell back, and I rush- 
ed from the place, hardly knowing where. The news was 
to me terrible. I could not live under the same roof with 
him. In my escape I met my father, who, with a drawn 
sword, opposed my advance. ‘ Where away ?’ I know 
not.’ ‘ What is the matter ?’ — ‘ Your son is — ’ ‘ My son 

is dead.’ — ‘ And is not the sick one your son ?’ ‘ He is 

not. When he was young, I placed him with you and 


1 


62 BUBBLES OF' FICTION. 

your brother as a companion.’ — ‘Thank Kiran !’ — exclaim- 
ed I, ‘ that I know that — thanks that you have told me.’ — 

‘ Why V — said my father — ‘ for what reason V — ‘ Because 
he killed my brother.’ 

“ Now, it may seem strange to you that my father never 
should have told me that until that hour, and also that he 
should have told me any thing at all ; but such it seems 
was the fact, and I was instantly relieved of the impression 
that a brother could have been guilty of such an act. I 
stayed near the entrance while my father rushed in. I heard 
him ask if what had been told him were true. The answer 
I did not hear. But I did distinctly hear the rush of his 
sabre through the air, and the sound of a fall. What be- 
came of the youth I know not ; whether he died by the 
weapon or by his malady I cannot tell, for acting on the im- 
pulse of the moment I left the house, being overwhelmed 
with deep emotions, and have never seen the place since. 
Howbeit, I afterwards understood that a neighboring 
prince made war and took all the possessions of my father, 
who ended his days in a prison. 

“ Day after day I wandered, and at last came unto a • 
solitary hut in the mountains, where dwelt a man retired 
from all intercourse with the world, and whose only duty 
was prayer. I told him my situation, and he consented to 
accept me as a pupil and to teach me his religion, and I was 
to aid him in his devotions and sacrifices. I, was pleased 
with this change of living, and for many years we dwelt 
under the same roof. As he said, so he acted. As he 
promised, so he performed. He took especial pains to 
make me religious, and taught me how' to pray. Then I 
possessed an inclination to be religious, and it became 
my firm intention, when' age should have ripened my 


JAVAN. 


63 


years and experience should have had its influence, to per- 
form the part of a preacher — a priest of the great Kiran. 
I assisted at the time of .prayer before the shrine, and by 
my devotions gained the whole of his affections ; biit sor- 
row came when uninvited, and it was my painful lot to 
consign to the grave my beloved companion. Being 
. bereaved of my best friend, what should I do ? I would 
not return to the home of my father, and besides I had no 
taste for trifling pleasures. So being encumbered with no 
property save the garments I wore, I set forth, determining 
to lead a wandering life, subsisting on such things as were 
set before me, do all the good in my power, and preach, 
as I went, the word of Kiran. Great, oh my hearers, has 
been the extent of my travels, and at last, having arrived 
at a great city, I spent several years therein, and from an 
humble office in the temple of Kiran rose to that of chief 
priest, and it was while in that capacity I came in posses- 
sion of a most wonderful article, the quality of which I will 
soon tell to you. It is not my desire to state how and in 
what manner, but suffice it to say, I did become its pos- 
sessor. A few nights afterwards, lying upon my couch, I 
w'as visited by a vision, in which I clearly beheld an angel 
of the great Kiran, who, descending amid clouds of most 
glorious colors, advanced even to where I lay. The arm 
was extended and the finger pointed — ‘ Go, go,’ cried the 
phantom. — ‘ Whither V — I replied — ‘ To the top of Mount 
Pandan,’ said the heavenly vision — ‘ for thy time is come ; 
the great Kiran has need of thee ; arise, gird on thy san- 
(jals — on ! — on !’ In my dream I bowed my head, but said 

nothing, and when I had raised it the vision had departed. 
On the morrow I told what I had seen to my brethren, and 
bidding them farewell, set forth. This day I have seen the ' 


64 


BUBBLES OF FICTION. 


end of my pilgrimage, for yonder lies the summit of the 
Mount, and had it not been for the assistance received I 
verily believe I should have departed this life ere I arrived 
there. May my benefactress be blessed, yea, may the 
blessings of Kiran be upon her.” 

The pilgrim ended his narrative. 

Ura had also finished smoking her pipe. 

“ Father” — said she — “ if I do not greatly mistake, you 
mentioned some wonderful article of which you were the 
possessor. Would you gratify me and my friends by tell- 
ing me what it was, and also what are its qualities?” 

“ You are right, my daughter, and I will tell you what it 
was — an emerald.” 

“ An emerald !” — exclaimed the females, with disappoint- 
ment, for they had expected something more valuable — 
“ only an emerald !” 

“Yes, my children ; but you have not heard all ; that 
jewel is the emerald of the great Kiran.” 

“ Is it possible !” — cried one and all, while the faces of the 
eunuchs bore marks of astonishment. 

“ Yes, my children, it is true. My daughter, by what 
name art thou called 1” 

“ My name, father, is Ura.” 

“ Then, Ura, my beloved, I will give unto you this ines- 
timable gift. I will endow you with the magic gem ; I 
myself might have used it, but I am tired of the world and 
wish to depart, and besides, has not the great Kiran called 
me 1 Yes, Ura, my daughter, to you will this jewel be of 
value — may it be a benefit to you.” 

“ And what, my father, are its qualities 1” 

“ You will see, for I will try the experiment on myself— 
behold me now.” 


JAVAN. 


65 


And the aged man, with hair and beard white, and 
with eyes that had, through years, lost their lustre, pro- 
duced the jewel, in shape like unto a heart, and attached 
to a brilliant golden chain ; when passing the bright 
links over his head, around his neck, the females sprang 
up and hid themselves behind the curtains, while the eu- 
nuchs, with drawn swords, presented them to the stranger’s 
breast, for in the place, of the aged pilgrim with white hair, 
bended frame, and dim eye, there stood a youth of beauti- 
ful appearance, with flashing eyes, rosy cheeks, and waving 
black curls. No wonder the maidens were surprised at 
the change — ^no wonder the eunuchs were startled at seeing 
so handsome a youth so near their charges ; howbeit before 
the points of the sabres had touched his body, he slipped 
off the chain, and became instantly as before. Away had 
flown his handsome appearance, and he was yet the aged 
wanderer. The girls made their appearance. 

“ Well, my daughter” — said he — “ how did you find the 
change Do you see the merits of the emerald I” 

“ I did, father — but you so startled me !” 

“ Be not afraid ; no harm will or could have happened 
you ; but let me give you the gem ; you have done a good 
thing unto me, you have rescued me from death ; this will 
be a little recompense. My days are numbered ; of what 
use, then, would the jewel be to me ? None. But you 
you are yet young, and in the spring-time of life ; of what 
value then it will be to you !” 

Ura bowed her head, and the golden chain slipped over 
it. No sooner, however, had the sparkling article touched 
her bosom than a great change occurred, a change that was 
nigh as great as the one that had already taken place with 
the pilgrim. The beautiful face became still more beautb 


66 


BUBBLES OF FICTION. 


ful. Before, one would positively affirm that such could not 
be the case ; but after the gift encircled her neck quickly 
would he alter his opinion, and acknowledge the fact. Aye I . 
she w^as beautiful. Her eyes, of great lustre, obtained a 
greater degree of brilliancy — an unearthly splendor, and 
her long hair had no rival in point of glossiness and waving 
outline. Have we not said she was finely formed Now, 
oh reader, she was superb — such a magnificently moulded 
body and limbs ! — such a graceful turn of the neck ! — such 
a face ! No earthly woman was like her so handsome. 

The stupified faces of the eunuchs became expressive of 
astonishment and admiration, which they made known by 
shrill-toned exclamations. Meemee, Poulee, and Ellee bit 
their lips with envy. Were they as beautiful] Were 
they as enticing] Were they as angelic] Each one an- 
swered these questions by the simple negative monosylla- 
ble. They drew back from her embroidered couch, while 
she sat blushing like the opening rose, looking precisely as 
if fresh from the enchanted gardens of Paradise. 

The pilgrim arose and spake. 

“ I am now undertaking, as I have told you, the latter 
part of my pilgrimage, but much time and much ground 
has yet to be passed before I can arrive at that place. I 
grieve to part with you, for my heart is with you ; but on 
my lonely journey I will be comforted by the knowledge 
that I have made, at least, one person happy. Maiden, I 
will tell you the qualities of that gem. Kiran the Great, 
blessed it, caused it to be formed in its present shape, .and 
endowed it with the pow^r of bestowing the appearance 
of eternal youth on its possessor ; and though without it 
one should be as old and infirm as myself, still, when it 
hangs from the neck, beauteous youth will be apparent, as 


JAVAN. 


67 


you have seen in my case. It will not lengthen the life, 
or make one rich or happy — all that depends upon’ its 
owner — but it will make one beautiful. My words are 
said ; fire ye all well ; my words are said. Maiden, may 
the gem always attend you ; maidens, farewell.” 

Having uttered these words, he waved his hand, and the 
rest paid due obeisance ; then grasping his staff with a 
firmer grip, he moved slowly onwards from the tent. Not 
a person stirred, but all eyes were turned upon his retreat- 
ing figure, till a clump of red-leaved bushes hid him from 
their view ; and then the eyes of eaeh were riveted on the 
beauteous Ura, whose rose-tinted countenance was being 
suffused with the mantling blush. 


xm. 

KING OTHULT IN HIS BANQUET-ROOM. 

Not far distant from the place where the incidents al- 
ready mentioned transpired, was the beautiful palaee of 
King Othult. In the midst of a city it stood, and of a 
verity appeared as if the work of enchantment, being sit- 
uated in a large square or lawn, which was covered with 
thick grass, and kept close-cropped by numerous long- 
fleeced sheep, that here and there dotted its surface. 
Bushes served to beautify the scene, while noble trees 
formed the back-ground, above which, however, rose the 
frowning head of the lordly Pandan, that mountain to 
whose summit we left the pilgrim plodding his weary way. 

The palace was in form square, and in the center, to a 
great height, rose a circular tower. The whole building 


BUBBLES OF FICTION. 


was painted blue "and white, with a profusion of gilding; 
the cornices, the windows, the turrets, and numerous spires, 
shone in the sunlight, as if made of pure gold, while hun- 
dreds of streamers, green, crimson, and purple colored, 
floated from its summit. ' Within the windows hung airy 
curtains, and here and there balconies protruded.^ From 
the main entrance- of this beautiful mansion could be ob- 
tained a splendid view of the city, which was not like 
most cities with which we are acquainted, for it was com- 
posed of tents and light structures, ornamented with flags, 
and golden balls, and spires, and surrounded by fine trees, 
while there could be seen in front of some, fathers of fami- 
lies surrounded by their smiling offspring, and there could 
also be heard the sound of music proceeding from dwell- 
ings of happiness. Every thing appeared joyful ; mirth 
reigned ; and never, did a sovereign govern a more con- 
tented people. 

Such was the residence of King Othult, the father of the 
lovely Ura, and now we can account for the respect paid 
by her attendants, and also for her more costly garments ; 
when, having received the reader’s permission, we will in- 
troduce the monarch himself, and • also tell what occurred 
within the palace walls. 

The king sat in his banquet-room. This apartment was 
quite long, and illuminated by four-and-twenty windows, 
twelve on a side, of highly-stained glass, which were partly 
hidden by long curtains of blue satin, sprinkled with silver 
stars, falling to the floor. The ceiling was beautifully 
painted in fresco, representing some great feast, which did 
the artist considerable credit, but who it was that thus im- 
mortalized himself remains to be known. Who could 
have painted with more life-like appearance those guests, 


JAVAN. 


69 


each one of whom seemed to be rivaling his neighbor in 
the quantity of food to be eaten 1 Between each of these 
windows, and from the floor to the ceiling, was a broad 
lookmg-glass, which produced, as one may imagine, a very 
curious effect, for the room and all things were multiplied 
to an endless number ; and if you stood in front of one, 
you might see as many likenesses of yourself as you de- 
sired. A long-napped rich carpet covered the floor, while 
ottoman after ottoman, covered with blue satin, embroid- 
ered with silver thread, was placed upon it at eyen dis- 
tances. At the upper end of this apartment sat the king 
on his throne ; while at the other hung a rich brocade cur- 
tain, doubtless giving entrance to another room. The 
king was attended by his dwarf, and as it our intention to 
describe both, the former personage being the most im- 
portant, will be the first presented. 

Perhaps you may think a king should be young, rich, 
handsome, bold, and daring, but to stay your imaginings I 
will at once tell you that he was ugly — aye, fearfully ugly. 
A person might with safety traverse the whole globe in 
search of one more hideous, but he would return unsuited. 
A turban of gaudy brocade, surmounted by a plume of 
blue feathers, rested on a large hairless head, that would 
have astonished any phrenologist, ancient or modem ; his 
ears, by no means of the smallest size, were still more 
extended by immense lumps of pure gold dangling there- 
from ; with the rainbow did his nose vie in color, and it 
hung very despondingly over his wide mouth, which we 
will take the opportunity to state was toothless ; one of 
his eyes was missing (we might, if we chose, tell an ex- 
ceedingly interesting and highly diverting story, how and 
in what manner he became deprived of that organ, and 


70 


BUBBLES OF FICTION. 


there is some chance we may yet favor the reader with it), 
and the other was overshadowed by a brow which pro- 
truded to an alarming extent, forming support to a forest 
of wiry hairs ; his lantern jaws and chin were quite taste- 
fully ornamented by half a score of red hairs, which, in 
spite of many efforts to get curled, were as straight as the 
bristles we see on the back of an angry porker ; and portly 
was he in the extreme, so that it was with much trouble 
he managed to curve his legs in the oriental style beneath 
him. His dress was of crimson silk, profusely ornament- 
ed with golden buttons, dangling from little chains. A 
green sash was tied around his “ wasp-like” waist, and the 
amber mouth-piece of his pipe was between his lips, while 
the bowl, supported by a brazen image, was filled with 
aromatic tobacco. 

So much for the king ; now for the dwarf. 

This important youth was four feet three and a quarter 
inches high, and as ugly as Satan himself — that is, if a 
humpback, bandy legs, face black as jet, small pug nose, 
an immense quantity of hair on a monkey-like face, and 
the whole figure enveloped in a habit of flaming yellow, 
would bear any resemblance to his infernal majesty. 

And so much for the dwarf 

And there, too, were grouped men, whose counte- 
nances were clothed in blank wonder, for it seems their 
lord and master was narrating some astonishing piece of 
news, though what it was we have been unable to dis- 
cover. • 

The king on a sudden clapped his hands. 

And so did the dwarf 

Then the tapestry that, as we have stated, hung at one 
end of the room, was pulled on either side, and the figure. 


JAVAN. 


n 


of Beilin, the eunuch, in his monstrous breeches and tur- 
ban, appeared. He advanced half way across the apart- 
ment, and upon his knees, bowed his head to the floor, 
awaiting in silence the orders of his master. 

“ Let the wine be brought” — said he. 

The slave still continued prostrate. 

“Begone, prince of darkness!” — cried the dwarf, imi- 
tating the king so precisely, and so comically withal, that 
a smile passed over the features of all present, except the 
victim of the witticism, who glanced fiercely at the dimin- 
utive person. 

' “ Why do you interrupt me 1” — exclaimed the king. 

“ I ask pardon ; but, sire, I have a question.” 

“ What is it f ’ 

“ Whom shall we pledge in the first cup 

“ Pledge ! what do you mean 

“ Mean 1 why, simply, to what lovely damsel shall we 
drink f ’ 

“ Silence !” — cried the king, in his mirth sending a cloud 
of smoke at the speaker, enveloping him in the suffocating 
perfume. Now, the dwarf detested tobacco most heartily, 
and this salutation caused him to sneeze and cough at a 
great rate, while the king looked from one to another of 

his courtiers for applause, and received what he desired. 

“ Have you enough yet ?” exclaimed he, sending cloud the 
second. 

“ Yes, sire, I have.” 

“ Then do not let me have any more of your imperti- 
nences.” 

“ But, sire, you were wrong.” 

I wrong ! — ^what !” — shouted the monarch in mock 
rage — “ I wrong I” 


72 


BUBBLES or FICTION. 


‘‘ Oh” — cried the other, somewhat frightened by the vol- 
ley of words — “ I meant — that — ” 

“You meant to insult me.” 

“ No, sire.” 

“ What have you to do with women 1” 

“ Permit me — ^pardon me.” 

“Well.” 

“ But I have more to do with them than you.” 

“ Prove it — ^now prove that” — and he leaned back on the 
embroidered cushion, and sent puffs of smoke among the 
banqueters on the ceiling. 

“First of all — ^let me see — ^firstof all — ” 

And the dwarf pulled his beard. 

“ Well, first of all — ha ! ha ! — I knew you could not get 
along.” 

“ Oh yes, .but I can.” 

“ Go on then — now for the first proof.” 

“ First of all I am handsomer than you.” 

He warded the blow that was dealt, and cried — 

“ Nay, nay, now, I beseech you not to get angry ; what. 
I told you is the truth. I have two eyes — how many have 
you ? What maiden would get in love with such an ugly 
old fellow as you 1 Ha ! ha ! getting angry are you ? I am 
not overpowered with flesh, and can therefore easily escape.” 

Suiting the action to the word he did escape. 

“ You confounded little wretch, you humpbacked Folly 
come here.” 

“ It was only in jest,” parleyed he from a distance. 

“ Come here I say.” 

“ Now do not, I pray — I beseech.” 

“ Shall I call the guards — come here, and if what you 
did was in jest, take your accustomed place.” 


JAVAN. 


U 


The dwarf complied with great fear and trembling ; but 
hardly had he taken his seat on the small cushion than by 
a dexterous movement of his superior’s foot he f^und him- 
self rolling heels over head to the floor. 

“ It was all in jest”— grinned the monarch, and a third 
puff* of smoke set the dwarf a third time into a desperate 
fit of coughing and sneezing. 

The tapestry was again raised, and twelve slaves in 
white turbans and skirts, entered, each bearing a silver 
salver, on which rested a goblet of the same valuable arti- 
cle, containing wine, and each slave knelt befoi*e a courtier 
(they were seated in a semicircle), and laid before him the 
dish, then arising, formed themselves in a line from the 
throne to the tapestry, awaiting the signal to depart. A 
slave advanced to the king, and kneeling, held out a dish 
and goblet. This the dwarf took, and instead of handing it, 
as was his duty, to his master, at one draught drained the 
cup, then smacking his lips and nodding his head in great 
satisfaction, placed it upon the salver. But this action was 
rather too free ; the foot of his majesty was again used, 
and Folly, the dwarf, was pushed against the slave, who, in 
his turn, fell upon the first of the line, and who tumbling 
upset the next, and the whole company fell sprawling in a 
heap ; this was not all, for as the guests were quite near, 
*the slaves in falling struck them, and upset their goblets, 
drenching their worthy persons with the fragrant juice, 
which so exasperated them that they arose, and to a man 
vowed never again to see the illustrious king, and were 
about to leave his presence, had not the monarch himself, 
relinquishing his pipe, waddled to them and entreated them 
to stay, as he would have every thing rectified. W ine was 
again produced, and the dwarf was sentenced to punish- 

4 


74 


BUBBLES OF FICTION. 


merit dire. But, as he was being taken from the room, he 
entreated so hard to be forgiven that at length his wish 
was granted, and, with the permission of the guests, he was 
pardoned and remained. After a little more conversation, 
Othult clapped his hands, and a slave making his appear- 
ance, he commanded that Ura should be brought befoi’e 
him. She appeared, completely shrouded in a dark veil 
and garment. 

“ Ura, come hither. It has been told me that Kiran has 
nlessed thee with his great emerald.” 

“ It is so, father” — answered the maiden. 

“ Let me hear the whole of the particulars.” 

She told all. 

“ Ura, you may depart.” 

Ura departed. 

“ What a curious story” — said one of the courtiers. 

“ It is, indeed” — said another. 

“Wonderful! most wonderful!” — exclaimed a third. 

“ Miraculous ! astounding !” — added a fourth. 

“ How beautiful is her form” — observed a fifth. 

The dwarf smacked his lips — 

and received in consequence a box on the ears. 

“ My friends” — said the king — “ 1 am overjoyed.” 

“ And so am I” — said one. 

“ And so am I” — echoed the rest. 

“ That such a blessing should happen to our family.” 

“ Hurrah ! hurrah !”— cried the dwarf— “ wine ! wine to 
drink to her health.” 

“ I applaud the judgment of Folly”— said the king, clap- 
ping his hands — “ wine, wine.” 

And wine was brought. 

“ Drink, drink” — said the king. 


JAVAN. 


75 


“ Drink, drink” — said the dwarf. 

“ Drink ! drink !” — cried in concert the rest. 

And the affair ended by all of them getting drunk (the 
dwarf included), for were they not greatly pleased that 
the jewel should be in the possession of the daughter of the 
great — 

— -of the powerful 
— of the handsome 
— of the magnificent 
— of the generous 
— of the witty 
— of the interesting 
— of the rich King Othult 1 


XIV. 

THE TRAVEI.LERS OBTAIN A VIEW OF MOUNT PANDAN. 

The morning sun dispelled the rising mists, and deluged 
all nature with his glorious beams. Javan had risen long 
before his majesty had made his appearance, and was wait- 
ing for Kufan his father to awake. He sat upon a jutting 
crag without, and while there his mind was filled with the 
thoughts of the all- wondrous gem. Mount Pandan reared 
itself, in his imagination, before his eyes, while over its 
snow-capped head hung a star of great lustre. Still brighter 
did it grow and change betimes its hue, till at last it set- 
tled into a vivid green, tinging the whole mountain with its 
glare. It was the emerald ! And then the gem com- 
menced descending — descending by degrees till it was but 
at a short distance, and Javan, incited by his imagination, 


76 


BUBBLES OF FICTION. 


sprang up, and would have rushed towards it, had not his 
father’s voice dispelled the charm, and recalled him to him- 
self. Then he perceived he stood upon the edge of the 
precipice, while one step in advance would have plunged 
him in the lake beneath. His brain grew dizzy, and pass- 
ing his hand over his brow, he retreated and entered the 
cave. 

“Javan, Javan, where are you 

“ I am here, father.” 

“ Have you been long up 

“Yes, for a long time have I been staying here, expect- 
ing you to rise ; I would have awakened you, but thought 
you might need all your sleep.” 

“You did right, Javan.”, 

“ How soon will you go f ’ said he, after having partaken 
of their morning repast. 

“Just as soon as I can get my staff and box, for, as we 
read in the hieroglyphics, several ceremonies will have to 
be performed.” 

“ The enchantment of the skulls, if I recollect aright.” 

“ Yes, that is it ; you will shoulder the bag.” 

“ Where is it*?” 

“ Tn the corner yonder.” 

And they set forth ; Javan carrying on his back the sack 
containing what remained of human heads, and also a staff 
to support him when wearied. Kufan likewise grasped 
one, and had under his arm a small box. On they went, 
descending the mountain by zigzag path's, crossing torrents 
that foamed away beneath them, and ascending and de- 
scending hills. Hardly any conversation was held during 
the day’s walk, for Kufan loved silence, and the mind of 
the youth was filled with the vision of the emerald. Night 


JAVAN. 


n- 

arrived — calm, lovely night, and having partaken of some 
coarse but good food, brought with them, and quenched 
their thirst at a bubbling rivulet, the travellers sought 
repose upon the grass, under the branches of a wide- 
branched thick-foliaged tree, and having wished each other 
a pleasant rest, were lulled into slumber by the singing of 
a bird. 

Refreshed by their sleep, and fully prepared for the la- 
bors of the day, quite early were they the next morning 
upon their journey. The third day passed. The fourth 
likewise glided into oblivion. 

“Javan” — said Kufan, on the evening of the fifth — 
“ what do you see 

“ The face of nature smiling.”- 

“ Describe the face of nature.” 

“ I see a valley, fruitful in the extreme, bounded to the 
right and to the left by beautiful trees, and dotted with 
sheep, and covered with a beautiful green carpet of grass, 
and with dowsers.” 

“ What else do you see, Javan?” 

“ In the center of this fertile plain I see a sheet of pure 
w^ater, and birds skimming over it; and beyond it I per- 
ceive a path, bordered, 1 should suppose, with flowers, 
leading over a hill and unto a mountain, whose base is 
sprinkled with habitations, and covered with green, but 
whose summit, awful and terrible to look upon, is white.” 

“Javan!” 

“ Father ?” 

“ That is the end of our journey ; we have not much 
farther to go.” 

“ And the mountain ?” 

“ Is the renomied Pandan.” 


78 


BUBBLES OF FICTION. 


“ Kiran be praised !”— exclaimed the happy youth, and 
sinking upon one knee, he bowed his head in reverence. 

“ Kiran be praised !” — ^murmured the aged Kufan. 

And there was a pause. 


XV. 

THE VISION OF JAVAN. 

That evening they sought their rest within view of that 
mighty /nountain, wrapt in the expectation of ascending it 
the next day ; but the anxious youth closed not his eyes 
till the shades of night had withdrawn it from his eager 
gaze. 

Javan dreamed that night, and in his vision he was 
standing upon a pinnacle of a mountain, and at his feet 
jutted, from the intense darkness below, crags of various 
shapes, black and dripping, as if with water. Behind him 
clouds of impenetrable night were piled, while overhead 
were ones of lighter hue. In front was a vast collection 
of those vessels of the air, charged with thunder and 
lightnings. Many sharp, forked streaks played about, 
and rattling thunder accompanied. 

The artillery of heaven ceased. A short distance in 
front appeared, in the midst of this veil of clouds, a small 
spark of light, as of a tiny star, which increased and grew 
lighter at the same time, tinging the surrounding clouds. 
And there was a fear attending Javan as he, with eyes riv- 
eted upon it, bore the strong refulgence. His eyes suffered 
not beneath its intense light. Suddenly there came a 


JAVAN. 


79 


thunder sound, terrible in the extreme, which, breaking 
open as if with a giant hand, this luminous spot, threw 
the clouds in every fantastic shape imaginable, and dis- 
closed the figure of a man of great height, with long, 
transparent wings, and eyes that glistened brilliantly. He 
spake in a voice terrible and loud. 

“ Mortal ! I am Pad the mighty — mighty — mighty ! 
Mortal, I can aid you in your undertaking. My advice is 
to persevere. Persevere, and you shall find. Search for 
the emerald. Will you take my aid and advice, and will 
you persevere in your search for the gem 

Javan, though his heart throbbed quickly, though he 
was blanched with terror, and though his lips trembled as 
he replied, yet he did answer, and it was in the affirmative. 

“ It is well” — replied the phantom. 

And the phantom vanished ; and now a much stronger 
light shone in its place. Where the clouds before had 
been of an inky darkness, they now assumed a pale lead 
color, and then a roseate hue, and attained a great hright- 
ness. The place where stood the winged being was at 
present occupied by one far more lovely — a female. 

“Javan,” spake she, in a remarkably soft voice, “Javan, 
misfortune will only arrive should you attempt the search 
for the emerald of the great Kiran. Javan, I warn — I ad- 
vise you to relinquish all ideas of obtaining it, for you 
never will be the possessor thereof. Return to your far 
distant home, and live in peace and happiness.” 

A remembrance of Java flitted across his memory, but 
he spake not, and the whole scene, clouds, female, and all, 
vanished in the twinkling of an eye. 


80 


BUBBLES OF FICTION. 


XVI. 


THE PIEGRIM ON THE SUMMIT OF THE MOUNTAIN. 

The pilgrim sighed as he left the tent, sighed when he 
recollected his younger days — days that would never again 
return, save in his memory. What a most curious thing 
is that memory ! How is it possible for a person to recol- 
lect things that so long ago have transpired, with freshness, 
while the occurrences of yesterday pass like a dream 1 
Such 'Nv'tis the case wdth the pilgrim as he left the tent in 
which were the females and the fair Ura, on whom he had 
bestowed that inestimable gem. When he thought of 
them, he thought of his younger days, and all the sorrows 
and pleasures thereof — and as w'e have before stated, he 
sighed. 

The pilgrim continued his walk. The green fields and 
the smiling plains were left behind as he ascended the 
mountain side, and soon was beyond the line above which 
grows not vegetation, and surrounded by rocks, in whose 
crevices snow was here and there lodged. Onw'ards he 
plodded, stopping betimes to rest his weary limbs, wdth 
glaciers and eternal snows arbund him. The genial warmth 
was gone, and the cold piercingly pervaded his unprotect- 
ed frame. He was completely chilled, with difficulty could 
he move, and he experienced a strong inclination to sleep ; 
so much so, that more than once he w'as well-nigh induced 
to gratify the desire, but then he recollected the object of 
his travel, and knowing that not a moment was to be lost, 
he pushed on with great energy, and ascended as quickly as 


JAVAN* 


81 


possible* Half way up he discovered a hut, built by some 
former traveller, and it was with no small pleasure he 
took up there his lodging for the night. The next day he 
was astir, and in due course of time arrived at a cave, 
which place, he imagined, was the one of his destination, 
it being on the very summit, and also on the brink of a 
precipice, to look from which, caused his blood to freeze 
with horror. 

Beneath him was a greatly diversified country, combin- 
ing both hill and dale, while open land and forest lay in 
beautiful display ; and far to the westward sank beneath 
the distant hills the golden orb of Heaven. Slowly wan- 
dered the eye of the pilgrim over this vast panorama. 

He fell at the entrance of the cave, joined his hands, and 
raised them. 

The cold was intense. 

The pilgrim prayed, and his prayer was fervent. He 
prayed for that reward for which he had travelled so far, 
encountered so many perils, and had braved even death. 

Still more’ intense grew the cold. 

The eye of the pilgrim dimmed ; the sun sank rapidly ; 
the shades of night, like an immense mantle, overspread 
every thing ; the frame of the pilgrim grew stiflT, stifier, 
and yet stiffer; his eyes remained open, but sightless; 
darkness had completely covered the face of nature — but 
there still remained that aged man kneeling — his body had 
frozen, and his spirit had wafted itself away. 

4 * 


82 


BUBBLES OF FICTION* 


xvn. 

HOW JAVAN AND KUFAN REACHED THE END OF THEIR JOURNEY. 

Javan trembling awoke. The sun had commenced his 
journey and was, wide awake, so also was Kufan. 

“ My father, I dreamed the past night,” said Javan. 

“ So did I, my son.” 

“ My father, my dream was of terrible things.” 

‘‘ So was mine, my son.” 

“ It was divided into two parts, the bad and the good.” 

“ You astonish me, for so also was mine.” 

“ And did the two beings, the demon and »the fairy, ap- 
pear ?” 

“ Yes ; the one with web-like and the other with angel’s 
w’ings, the black and the white, the good and the bad.” 

“ And did she tell you to give up the pursuit for the 
jewel?” 

“ Aye ; telling me that evil would only ensue, and that it 
would never be mine.” 

“ And your answer ?” • 

“Was that I would persevere notwithstanding her 
threat.” 

“ What was that, father, for she did not threaten me ?” 

“ She said if I ascended Pandan on the morrow in search 
for it. Death would await me.” 

“ Death ! it’s terrible ! Father, you had better not go.” 

“ Folly ! But what did the other one promise ? Did 
he not urge me to go on with the search ; tell me he would 
give his aid at times, but always his advice ?” 

“ He may ; but recollect what the fairy said. She is 


JAVAN. 


more powerful than he. Do you not recollect how bright 
the light was when she appeared. It was like the light of 
yon rising sun.” 

“ But what would you have me do ? Stay behind ? 
Never! No, my son, never! I am anxious to get that 
jewel, very anxious, and having come thus far, do you think 
I will give up my object 1 No ! Evil may arise, but evil 
I will dare.” 

“ I applaud your firmness, father.” 

“And I your entreating powers. As for myself, no 
doubt I will die, for you know I am aged. It is not, there- 
fore, for myself I wish the stone; but it is for you, Javan, 
that I brave all these dangers, for you that I have walked 
this great distance ; for you, my son, for you.” 

“ Father, I thank you,” replied the youth, bending his 
head, “ but notwithstanding you have come all this distance 
and braved so many perils, notwithstanding all that, it is 
no reason why you should throw your life away ; at least 
I see none.” 

“ But of what avail is my life ? Throw it in the balance 
against possessing that gem, and tell me how stand the 
scales. I would willingly give it up, as I soon shall have 
to do, and what avails a few days sooner or later, to obtain 
for you the ownership of that jewel.” 

“ Father, I thank you for your love towards me, but I 
have a proposition.” 

“ Name it.” 

The fairy said death would await should you venture to 
ascend the mountain in search of the emerald, did she not 1” 

“ She did.” 

“ Now, I will go alone ; I will by myself ascend to the 
3 summit of this hoary mount.” 


84 


BUBBLES OF FICTION. 


“But did you not receive any warning'?” 

“ I received none.” 

“ So you accepted the demon’s proposition to persist in 
getting the jewel ?” 

“ Exactly, as did you.” 

“ Go on now with your proposition.” 

“ I will ascend to the summit, and find out where the 
article can be found.” 

“ And you forget about the incantation” — quietly inter- 
rupted the aged person — “ who is to perform that “?” 

“ Can you not teach me it *?” 

“ It is impossible.” v , 

“ Then I will have to lose you.” 

‘ Nay, nay, my son, but let me tell you one word. I 
place no reliance upon that dream.” 

“No reliance!” 

“ No ; I think it is but a piece of my imagination, a vision 
of the night.” 

“We will suppose it is; but how can you account for 
the same vision of the night, as you term it, occurring to 
both of us.” 

“ Thei-e I am at fault ; it is wrapt in mystery.”' 

“ And so you insist upon going ?” 

“ My mind is made up, for it is absolutely necessary.” 3 

“ Then let us go.” 

“ And they took the same route as took the pilgrim. 
The green fields were passed, and so was all vegetation ; 
the glaciers and snows were encountered, and the cold air 
penetrated their bodies through the extra clothing they had ‘ 
prudently taken ; they also experienced the same desire to 
slumber, but as Kufan was in some manner aware of the 
fatality attending such an action, he kept the young man 


JAVAN. 


85 


and himself astir, and such was their activity and industry, 
that before the setting of the sun they had attained the 
summit. 

“ Here we are at last,” exclaimed Javan, “ what a mag- 
nificent prospect is spread before us !” 

“ True, there is a fine prospect, but I should like to see 
a far bettter one.” 

“ What is that 1 What view can be more extended, 
more beautiful than this 1” 

“ The view of the emerald.” 

“ I agree with you there ; but it would be extremely 
agreeable if we could find some cave to enter, for notwith- 
standing the fine prospect, the cold is very striking, much 
more so than the view,” 

“ So be it ; then suppose we hunt for one.” 

In a few minutes they came unto the cave, of which we 
have in a preceding chapter already spoken, and saw the 
frozen figure of the aged pilgrim. 

“ Kiran !” — cried the youth, starting back with surprise 
and horror — “ what a terrible sight.” 

“ Terrible ? I see nothing of the kind.” 

“ Nothing terrible ? Why, father, does it not surprise 
you? Was it not startling when it first came upon your 
gaze ?” 

“ I will acknowledge it was in a slight degree, but from 
the figures carved in the box you brought back with you 
from your travels, saying the enchantment of the skulls will 
have to be performed, I imagined we would find some sub- 
ject here for us to experiment upon, as the incantation has 
to be performed upon a lifeless human being.” 

“ Then how will you proceed ? How are we to find out 
where is the emerald ?” 


86 


BUBBLES OF FICTION, 


“ That will be very easy to discover, for the question 
you just now asked, will be answered by him” ^pointing to 
the body Of the pilgrim. 

“ It is impossible — it cannot be done.” 

“ My son, it is possible, and it can be done.” 

“ Can the dead speak f ’ i 

“You will see.” 

“ Suppose, then, we proceed immediately with the ope- 
ration.” 

“Very well; untie the mouth of the bag, and arrange 
the skulls in a circle about the body.” ^ 

. It was quickly done, and twelve skulls grinned in solemn 
display around the prostrate figure of the frozen pilgrim. 
Javan sliuddered as he lay them, one by one, on the snowy 
ground, and averted his eyes from the horrible sight, for he 
could not bear to gaze at them. 

“ Now” — said Kufan, when the business was ended — 
“ we must possess our souls with patience.” 

“ Why cannot we proceed immediately with the cere- 
mony 1” 

“ We cannot until the full moon shall have been some- 
time up, and to-night there is a full moon.” 

So Kufan, resolving to pass the intervening time in slum- 
ber, retreated to the farther end of the cavern, and rolled 
himself in a corner, whence sundry sounds caused Javan to 
think his worthy sire was already in the land of dreams. 
As for himself, he wrapped his thick garments about him, 
and laying on his breast, with his chin resting on the very 
brink of the precipice, feasted his eyes on the superb 
scenery, and watched the fighting of two birds of prey far 
below. At times they whirled in the airy fields, striking 
with their powerful wings, and inflicting terrible wounds. 


JAVAN. 


87 


^ with their sharp-pointed beaks. He watched them till he 
saw the victim sink like a stone through the air, and the 
Other dart after him. The first fell upon an icy crag, and 
the conqueror made a hearty meal of the poor bird, who 
filled the air with his loud shrieking, while the sharp talons 
of his master sank deep in his body, and while every blow 
received from that bill, removed morsels of flesh, and added 
to his torment. : ‘ = 

. Javan withdrew his gaze, and his mind wandered, first to 
Java and then to the dream, and last of all he thought 
whether by means of the inanimate body he could discover 
where was the great emerald. He was startled by the 
loud crying of a bird. Lifting his eyes, he saw the bloody 
fowl winging his way with flapping wings to the eastward, 
and then beheld on that icy, crag the mangled carcass of 
the once proud and free inhabitant of the air. 

The Sun King had driven his fiery 'steeds beyond the 
western hills for some time, when Kufan awoke, and called 
upon his son ; but that son was in a drowsy state, and 
answered not. He called again, but no reply was received, 
when, fearing some accident might have happened, he arose, 
went to the mouth of the cave, and there beheld him 
stretched upon the frozen ground, with his head nearly 
hanging over the precipice. Taking him by the arm he 
pulled him back, and by dint of rubbing with the palms of 
his hand and using other remedies, succeeded in restoring 
him to consciousness. 


88 


BUBBLES OF FICTION* 


XVIII. 

THE ENCHANTMENT. 

It became night, and Kufan set to work preparing every 
thing for the coming event. By the pale light of the moon 
he opened his box, presenting to view a variety of little 
vials containing different colored drugs, together with sev- 
eral crucibles and brazen pans, when putting some two or 
three kinds of powder into one of the pans, and having by 
a handful of snow made it into a paste, he formed the com- 
pound into little pyramids, laying one on the top of each 
skull. He also laid a train of dark-hued powder from one 
to the other, and sprinkled the whole with different colored 
powders^; when, having so done, he rested from his work 
and reclosed the box. Javan during the performance 
looked on with attention. By-and-by the time arrived, 
and the full moon blazed high in the heavens and illumi- 
nated the cave. The venerable Kufan applied fire 
to one end of the train of black powder; slowly it 
creeped along like a flaming serpent, and meeting the first 
pyramid, set fire to it. At first it flashed with a thick 
smoke into a yellow flame, and the watchful Javan would 
have sworn he beheld the teeth of the skulls strike together. 
A tremor ran over the pilgrim’s frame, and when the first 
little heap was blazing, the fire advanced along the train 
and met the second, which formed a pink flame ; the teeth 
again chattered and the pilgrim’s body again trembled. 
The third pyramid was green, the fourth purple, the fifth 
orange, the sixth crimson, the seventh scarlet, the eighth 
white, and so on to the twelfth, which last having missed 


JAVAN. 


89 


fire, of course emitted no flame whatever. At each suc- 
cessive heap, as the element caught it, the chattering was 
heard from the skulls, and the pilgrim shook ; and now with 
each pyramid emitting its peculiar color, Kufan knelt in 
front of them, having his back to the yawning depth, and 
with a lighted stick touched the top of that heap that did not 
burn, but the fire did not yet communicate itself, so he 
kneeled still lower, and blowing upon it, succeeded in his 
object ; but no sooner had it caught the spark, than it ex- 
ploded with a loud noise, dimming his eyes and singing his 
beard, while the other eleven fires were instantly extin- 
guished. This by far was not the most important event 
that occurred, for at the explosion, the pilgrim’s body with 
arms extended, sprang to its feet, and striking the luckless 
Kufan in the breast, caused him to stagger backwards. He 
reeled to the edge of the precipice and fell over, but in fall- 
ing grasped at a craggy piece of rock, and by its aid held 
himself. 

“ Javan ! Javan !” — screamed he with agony. 

“Father! father cried the unhappy young man — 
“ where are you 1 the fire has dazzled my eyes ; all is dark- 
nees ; I see you not, where are you V 

“ Hanging to the edge of the precipice — help 1 help !” 

“Father!” 

“ Help ! help !” cried with a trembling voice the wretch- 
ed man, holding on with all his strength, and trying to draw 
himself up ; “ Javan ! help ! here !” 

“ Father, I cannot see you ! Kiran ! I am blind !” 

“ Blind !” cried the suspended man,. “ then I am lost.” 

“ I see a little — hold on, my father, yet a while.” 

“ Quick ! quick ! Kiran, help me !” 

“ My eyes are stronger ; yet a while ; one moment more.” 


90 


BUBBLES OF FICTION. 


“ I am sinking” — cried the aged person, with the blood 
flowing from his hand, and tinging the snow — “I am 
sinking.” 

“ I see ! Kiran be praised ! hold on, father, hold on — my 
father!” — cried he, rushing to the edge — and then, with 
dizzy eyes, he saw the unfortunate man whirling through 
the air, and then strike a projecting crag, rebound far off. 
and descend with frightful speed, till he was lost to view in 
the mighty caverns below. He stood staring downward, 
and then fell senseless on the ground beside the wretched 
figure of the resuscitated pilgrim. But what a tableau 1 Let 
the reader picture to himself a mountain peak covered with 
snow, and the full moon a little above the distant hills, 
throwing every thing into light and shade ; on the edge of 
that peak a man lying motionless as though on a sudden 
struck by the hand of death ; behind him another, standing 
as still as though a statue, and at his feet twelve blackened 
skulls — the hazy scene around, and the valley beneath, and 
the far-off pinnacles of gilded snow, and then- he will have 
a faint conception of the striking picture. , 

By degrees Javan awoke from his trance and arose ; the 
awful horrors of the passed scene broke upon him, and he 
stood transfixed, remembering the fate of his father. He 
leaned over the brink, trying to pierce the depths below 
for his lost friend ; but all was still and silent as the grave, 
and save a few prominent objects, the depths were hid in 
darkness. How awful were his thoughts 1 But did not 
the fairy of the vision speak the truth] Did a similar fate 
await him ] or was one more fearful to end his days ] Lit- 
tle by little his mind reverted to the cause of his being 
where he was, and turning, he was again struck with aston- 
ishment at tlie sight of the pilgrim who had been raised on 


JAVAN.. 


91 


his feet and calmly stood within the magic circle. Ja- 
van knew not what to do ; what was to be done ? How 
should he find out where was the emerald 1 He gained 
courage enough — (for to tell the truth, he was struck with 
fear)— to speak unto the statue-like figure, and the following 
was the dialogue that occurred : 

“ Can you tell me where is the emerald of the great 
Kiran . 

The figure slowly bowed his head, which causing Javan 
to gain new courage, he again addressed him, 

“ Where is it?” 

“ In the possession of a maiden.” 

“ Who is that maiden f’ 

“ The daughter of a king,” 

“ What king is it V’ 

“ King Othult.” 

“ Where can she be found 1” 

The body was silent. Javan spake louder, but to no 
effect, and he was forced to believe the charm had been 
broken. He approached nearer so as to hear better, but 
found as he did so that the figure retreated, and as nothing 
further could be learned respecting the gem, and wishing 
to get rid of such an object, he advanced a step, and the 
pilgrim retreated the like distance beyond the circle ; again 
did he proceed, and the body retreated step by step, till on 
the very brink it stepped off, and Javan saw it swiftly fall 
through the trackless^air and disappear. He kicked the 
skulls one by one into the void, and when the last had de- 
parted sat upon the ground totally at a loss what to do, 
when the moon retreated behind a dense mass of clouds, 
and darkness was upon the face of the earth. 


92 


BUBBLES OF FICTION. 


XIX. 


PAD— URA — AND THE FLIGHT. 

Javan cursed the hour of his birth. “Cursed be the 
times in which I received life, and when I set forth upon 
my travels ; what hath it availed me ? To what hath the 
whole expedition amounted ? I leave my gentle Java, the 
flower of the valley, and undertake long journey ings ; es- 
cape from every variety of danger, traverse boundless 
deserts of hot sand, and obtain a mysterious box ; return, 
and start without hearing from my loved one ; get nigh 
frozen to death ascending this tremendous mountain, and 
performing an incantation, lose the author of my being. 
What hath it availed me 1 Nothing, nothing, nothing ; the 
emerald, the object of our search, we have not, and I know 
not w^here to find it. Upon wUom shall I call for help 1 
Upon Kiran ? Will he give an attentive ear? Upon 
wiiom then?” He stopped, for a sudden thought flashed 
upon him. He remembered his dream, and how the de- 
mon named Pad had told him that at all times he would 
give his advice. Would he, give it now ? “ Perhaps,” 

thought he, “ it was not all a dream ; may I not yet succeed 
by his help? 1 will call loudly upon him.” And loudly 
he did call, when on a sudden he saw a gigantic man hover- 
ing beyond the edge of the abyss, with slowly-flapping 
wings, and what w^as most curious, he appeared brightly 
illuminated, appearing as if his hands, arms, legs, body, 
and wings were composed of ground glass, ■svhile within 
a strong light lit up the whole. 

“ What do you want of me ?” — said he, alighting on the 
ground, and standing before him. 


JAVAN. 


98 


I had a dream the past night, in which a being appeared 
unto me” — 

“ I am that being ; what is it you want 

“ At that time you advised me to persevere in my search 
for the great emerald, telling me you would at times give 
me your aid, at times your advice. Can you then tell me 
where the daughter of King Othult is at the present mo- 
ment 1” 

“ She has left her father’s presence, where he had called 
her to hear the account how she had received the gem.” 

“ Tell me how she came to be its possessor” — said Javan. 

“ The pilgrim who lies at the base of the precipice was 
rescued from death by the girl, and with it he rewarded 
her.” 

Javan asked what he would counsel him to do in this 
matter. 

“ I will tell you” — replied Pad — “ the king and all his 
court are drunken with wine, for they had quite a rejoicing 
on account of the great honors paid their house by one of 
its members being the possessor of the emerald said to be 
of Kiran. I will transport you there, and you must set 
fire to the building.” 

“ If that such be the case, would not every thing be 
burned ? What would I gain by the operation 1” 

“ You are wrong in thinking you would gain nothing, 
for you might gain the jewel ; do you think that is nothing 1 
When you have applied the torch and once set the build- 
ing in flames, confusion will follow, rush in, heed not who- 
ever you may meet, seek the princess, and take from her 
the gem.” 

“ Transport me there, then, this instant” — said the youth 
eagerly. 


94 


BUBBLES OF FICTION. 


The demon whistled exceeding loud, and by degrees his 
lightness grew less and less distinct, and in a moment he 
had vanished from our hero, who wondered in what man- 
ner he would be carried to the palace of the king, if Pad 
was not to take him ; but his wondering soon ceased, for 
in the very place where this Pad had stood, rested a bat of 
most gigantic proportions, with outspread wings, and in 
readiness for flight. Javan sat upon his back, and with his 
arms clasped the reptile’s neck. Up they rose, and 
smoothly floated onwards, while the rider of this curious 
steed found himself in by no means a pleasing situation, 
for should he relinquish his hold, or in any manner slip 
from his seat, there was every probability of a fall, and his 
being dashed in pieces. Swifter grew his flight, and shut- 
ting his eyes, he held on tighter, giving himself entirely to 
his fate. The wings of the bat buzzed loudly, and the 
wind -whistled by them as they went. On a sudden the 
noise ceased, and the young man found the reptile had 
closed his wings and was dropping at a fearful rate through 
the air. As they approached the earth they were again 
spread, and the descent was slower, and when, oh touching 
ground he* sprang off not in the least hurt, the mam- 
moth bat did vanish. 

Not far distant was the illuminated palace of King Othult, 
and when he looked there, and thought of the treasure it 
contained, he advanced quickly in its direction, and soon 
stood before the magnificent structure ; he saw* no one, for 
it happened, as the king and his court w^ere rejoicing, so 
were the guards, and therefore none w'ere visible. Javan 
noticed with admiration the light and airy structure, the 
many burnished spires, the towers, and the illuminated 
windows ; and heUeard the sound of mirth and the voices 


JAVAN. 


95 


of drunken men in the jovial song, and he also heard the 
gay laugh. He looked about for something with which to 
commence the conflagration, and finding a quantity of com- 
bustible material, was quite at a loss what to do for light. 
He thought of an experiment he had seen performed, so 
procuring two pieces of nearly decayed wood, commenced 
rubbing them together -with great rapidity ; a light smoke 
appeared, and he rubbed quicker and harder ; the smoke 
increased in denseness, and still harder and swifter did he 
rub, and then they burned. Quickly applying it to the 
dry stuff, it took fire, and the operator saw with pleasure 
the flames attach themselves to the decorated woodwork 
of the building. Seizing a handful of the burning stuff, 
he went to another part and set fire to that, and then the 
merrily blazing fire got under way, consuming rapidly 
whatever it met, while the smoke rolled aloft, and the 
flames burst forth with gentle roarings. 

The incendiary rushed in the palace through an open 
window. He grasped his dagger, and ran from the apart- 
ment, which was tenantless, to the next. This room hap- 
pened to contain half-a-dozcn eunuchs, who, not knowing 
the building was on fire, drew their cimeters and sprang 
towards our hero, who, seizing his dagger firmly, cried that 
every thing was in flames ; but they heeded him not, and 
one of them made a sweep at his head ; the glittering 
blade rushed through his turban but inflicted no wound, 
for he crouched suddenly, and then springing up, the eu- 
nuch felt a weapon’s point, and fell. Possessing himself of 
the cimeter he attacked the rest, and by his superior force 
and skill wounded some, and caused the remainder to flee. 

The inmates now became aware danger was nigh, and to 
escape the fire rushed out in all directions, and Javan had 


96 


BUBBLES OF FICTION. 


care not to be overturned by the frightened beings. On 
he ran from apartment to apartment, overturning some 
persons into whose heads the fumes of the wine had risen, 
and being nearly overturned by others ; at last he discov- 
ered one whom he thought was the object of his search, 
standing alone at the further end of the room. 

“ Help, help, good stranger !” — cried she — “ help !” 

“ Fear not, beauteous being” — answered Javan, drop- 
ping the point of his cimeter, and advancing towards her — 
fear not, I come to protect thee.” 

“ Thanks, stranger j your aid is welcome, for they have 
all deserted me.” 

Javan was struck with admiration. The sftioke was 
curling through the windows, and rendered objects quite in- 
distinct, notwithstanding tapers of green wax were burn- 
ing, and there he saw the fair lira, beautiful as the morn- 
ing, standing in inexpressible grace. Her long waving 
hair, her brilliant eyes, and lightened complexion had its 
effect upon him ; but as he advanced, he beheld an object 
reposing on her bosom, that caused his heart to throb and 
his breath to come and go quickly, for it was the emerald. 
He then felt certain she' must be the daughter of King 
Othult ; for did she not, by Pad’s information, have the 
emerald, and was not that it encircling the neck of the 
beautiful female standing before himi He advanced 
towards her, and, under pretence of leading her forth, 
grasped at the jewel, but was instantly pushed back by 
the lovely female (who had interpreted his movement 
as one of a different motive from what he intended), and 
received a wound in the hand, inflicted by a poignard 
which she had w'orn in her girdle, but which she then 
grasped tightly. 


JAVAN. 97 

“Most beautiful !” exclaimed Javan, again advancing — 
“ I intended” — 

“ Back !” cried Ura ; “ one step nearer, and I bury this 
in your heart.” 

“ Light of the world,” again spake our hero — “ I would 
die to save yxju.” 

“Then open a way for me to depart; the smoke is 
sufibcating.” 

“You are then caged, my bird. Yes, I will become 
the possessor” — and he dropped his weapon and rushed 
upon her, clasped her around the waist with one arm, and 
grasped the jewel with the other. The terrified Ura 
shrieked, and dashed her poignard into his shoulder, which 
caused him to relinquish his hold ; but again defeated, he 
once more seized her. The girl, however, with super- 
human effort, burst from his grasp, and with his cimeter, 
which she picked up, kept him at bay. The smoke grew 
more dense, and Javan, muttering to the effect that though 
he would die he should conquer first, broke off an elegant 
pillar, about the height of a staff, though much thicker, 
that beautified the apartment, and rushing upon her, with 
one stroke dashed the weapon from her grasp. Imme- 
diately she ran through an open window upon a piazza, and 
with the fleetness of a deer fled, quickly pursued by our 
hero, till she entered the tower of which we have before 
spoken, and fastened it within. Not to be defeated, he 
commenced, with the re-taken cinieter, to hack at it till he 
had demolished it enough to effect his entrance. A spiral 
staircase met his view, up which he quickly ascended, ac- . 
companied by the smoke, which rolled in volumes. He 
reached the top, which was a flat roof encircled by a rail- 
ing, and beheld Ura who at his presence, rushed to the 
5 


98 


BUBBLES OF FICTION. 


railing and stood upon it. Beneath her, at a great depth, 
lay the palace, and nothing prevented her, should she lose 
her balance, from being launched into eternity. 

“ One step more and I spring !” — cried she to our 
bewildered hero. 

“ I beseech thee” — 

“ Stir not, or I spring !” 

Javan was struck with her speech. Could she mean 
what she spake 1 Would it be possible she would spring 
from such a dizzy height 1 If she thus acted, the emerald 
would be lost, for she would fall into the midst of the 
burning building, and thus every trace of it would be gone. 
He thought he might seize her before she sprang, and 
thus obtain what he desired. 

“ Maiden ! I entreat thee” — exclaimed he, sinking on 
one knee, so as to get nearer, when he intended to spring 
and catch her — “ hear my words. I came to rescue you ; 
1 heard you were in danger, and I meant” — 

“ To place me in greater” — she interrupted. 

“ Not so, but to draw you from it” — and then he sprang 
and caught hold of her silken scarf as she leaped into the 
air. With much exertion did he keep himself from fol- 
lowing, for with such force did he rush, that the railing 
broke beneath his weight, and had he not clutched the 
edge he would have been lost ; but when he searched for 
his escaped prey, what was his astonishment to see her in 
mid air, in company with a female bearing the precise re- 
semblance of the fairy he had beheld in his dream. He 
watched them till lost to view as they directed their course 
to a neighboring mountain, and then was ho aroused to a 
sense of his own critical situation. Behind him was the 
palace wrapt in flames, while millions of sparks filled the 


JAVAN. 


99 


air, and the smohe circled the tower, at times nearly suffo- 
cating him, while by the light he beheld hundreds of people 
gazing on the scene of destruction. How should he es- 
cape 1 To spring forth would be certain death, as no 
fairy would come to his aid ; so he descended the staircase, 
and when near the bottom found it burned with fire. He 
was in a very perilous position. The flames caught over 
his head, and he heard their roaring and the crash of fall- 
ing timbers. 

He trembled, when Pad, the demon, stood before him, 
and stamping the ground, the whole tower fell, half on one 
side and half on the other, and Javan felt himself seized by 
the arm, and an instant afterwards was cleaving the air 
with great rapidity. 


XX. 


KING OTHULT IN HIS HAREM. 

From his banquet-room King Othult went to his harem. 
Splendid indeed w’as this apartment, with its mirrors and 
most rich tapestry and most rare and superb, paintings, 
(though not, we must allow, of the most moral description,) 
and its gilded pillars supporting the arched, fretted ceiling. 
Then and there were collected quite a number of females 
fair as the day. The monarch was seated on a gold-em- 
broidered pink satin cushion, stroking his face with great 
complacency, and listening to the gay warbling of a gay 
prisoner, who rested on a gaily decked couch a short distance 
off. Her voice was clear, and thrilled the very soul of the 


100 


BUBBLES OF FICTION. 


half drunken king, who turned his stupid face upon her, and 
Avith his eyes expressed his pleasure ; but I forgot to state 
that the floor of this room was of a pure white and highly 
varnished, while thereon was painted in an exceeding tasty 
and skillful style, birds and butterflies, hovering among 
gorgeous flowers. The song that was being sung ceased. 

“ Light of my eyes” — ^hiccuped the monarch — “ come 
here, come now, do.” The songstress arose and went slowly 
towards him, received a kiss from the handsome man as a 
reward, and then returned. A sooty faced man stood Avith 
folded arms in the corner, and to him did the king give 
orders that the dancers might appear. The slave clapped 
his hands, and as if by magic, the tapestry of purple silk 
at the end of the saloon was raised, and there bounded 
forth six girls dressed in pink gauze with flowers around' 
their heads and bunches of flowers in their hands. At a 
given signal they arranged themselves in a’ roAv, and then 
as the whole company of females composing the audience 
raised their voices in a plaintive air, they commenced a 
series of most beautiful CA'Olutions, shoAving their splendid 
forms to the best advantage, and waving in fine style their 
rosy wreaths. The music grew melancholy, and so also 
did the dancing. The dancers performed excellently, and 
the entranced king spared not his applause, and shouted 
during the fine passages, and drowned the voices of the sing- 
ers by clapping his hands. The music died away and the 
faiiy like feet of the dancers moved slower and still sloAver, 
when on a sudden the movement grew brisk and lively in 
the extretne, the girls did their best, the king was more 
than delighted, vowed he never witnessed finer execution, 
and SAvore by his beard he would drink himself to death to 
show his admiration, and when they had withdrawn, nothing 


JAVAN. 101 

would suit him till they were again brought forward and 
again went through the whole performance. 

They had retired for the second time when a loud noise 
was heard without, which was the voice of Folly, the dwarf, 
and the footsteps of many persons. In vain did the king 
imagine why he should thus be annoyed ; no reason what- 
ever could he find. The eunuch, who was standing with 
^folded arms beside the curtain, lifted it up, and the dwarf 
was seen running towards his majesty followed by twelve 
of the wisest men the place possessed. Up they came to- 
wards him, running in a line, when the merry dwarf kneeled, 
and away went the whole twelve over him heels over head. 

•* “ The guards !” — shouted Othult. 

And there entered six blacks armed with cimeters. 

“ Bring before me the slave of the tapestry.” 

And the trembling man was brought before the king. 

“Why did you raise the tapestry without my orders 1” 
— said the monarch. 

“ I heard the sound, and — ” 

“ Off with his head !” — he cried. 

And on the spot was he decapitated.' 

“Seize the twelve and the dwarf.” 

It was done. 

“I beg you, sire” — cried Folly, now seriously alarmed, 
*‘hear me, I have something important to say.” 

“Wait till the rest have their reward, and I will then 
teach you to transgress my rules and orders ; silence ! ^ 
Slaves, do your duty.” 

And immediately, in the presence of the frightened fe- 
males, who were all collected in the corner, six men lost 
their heads, and then the other six took tiieir turn. When 
all was finished the king bade them retire, with the excep- 


102 


BUBBLES OF FICTION. 


tion of one who stood waiting to execute the trembling 
Folly. 

“ What is it you wanted to say to me 1” — cried Othult, 
with as much fierceness as he could command. 

' “ I wished to tell your majesty that you had better fly 
just as quick as you can.” 

“ Fly 1 What do you mean, do you wish to join the 
rosy people on the floor V\_ 

“ No ; but I wish my master to run away ; escape, 
quick.” 

“ Raise your sabre” — said the king to the executioner — 
“ what do you mean now by telling me to run and escape 1” 

“ The house is on fire ; every thing is in flames ; I ran 
with the headless men that now lay there to tell your 
majesty.” 

Now arose a scene that almost beggars description. The 
females screamed in a most terrific manner, the eunuchs 
squealed, the dwarf nearly killed himself laughing at the 
ludicrous sight, wdiile the more than half drunk king could 
not for his life discover what was the matter. At last 
when the lungs of the females and eunuchs had given out, 
and when the sides of the dwarf ached so that he was 
forced to stop laughing, he had a chance of enquiring the 
cause of the uproar. 

“ The palace is on fire ; see ! there comes the smoke” — 
said the dwarf, pointing to the tapestry. 

“ Fire ! fire !” — screamed the females, and concert num- 
ber two was commenced and carried on, while the king 
who was yet ignorant of the cause of the riot, was nigh 
being strangled by the frantic embraces of his women, all 
of whom ran to him for help. He no doubt thought his 
last hour was at hand, for from an excess of rage he turned 


JAVAN. 


103 


to prayer, and called loudly for help. What was to be 
done ? Othult now found the smoke quite suffocating, but 
notwithstanding he did all in his power, he could not free 
himself from his fair captives, who were crying with fear, 
and wringing their hands and his neck in terror. The 
dwarf now made himself heard. 

“ Sire” — said he — “ I have a means of deliverance if you 
would but hearken unto it.” 

“ Yes, yes ; what is it ? quick !” 

“ The only safe mode of egress is the windows, for the 
rest of the building is in flames.” 

“ And how would you have us go ? Spring out and 
break our necks ?” 

The dwarf thought it would not be much loss if he did, 
but answering, said — “ By no means, my king ; you see 
the curtains of the window, tear them down and tie them 
together, and we can make a stout line, and then fasten 
one end around your waist, and we will gently lower you 
down.” 

“ Oh !” — cried the king, shuddering at the proposal. 

“ Oh !” — squealed the eunuchs. 

“ Oh !” — cried the women, in chorus. 

“ And oh !” — said the dwarf — “ if you do not agree to 
that, I can tell your majesty you will get roasted, to a cer- 
tainty. I can feel it grow hotter and hotter. Your ma- 
jesty had better follow my advice.” 

His majesty made a sign, and in one instant the curtains 
were torn down and formed into a long band. But when 
one of the terrified ladies approached the monarch to tie 
one end around his waist, he swore he would die before it 
should be done, and would see some one else go through 
the experiment. A eunuch volunteered, and getting upon 


104 


BUBBLES OF FICTION. 


the edge of the window, before they tied the rope trembled 
so with fear, that losing his balance he fell and disappeared. 
The women screamed, the king looked aghast, and the 
dwarf laughed. 

“ Now, your majesty” — said one of the women, going 
near him. 

“ Curses on the whole of you, you wretches, you wish to 
kill me, I see it ; you wish” — 

“ We wish to save you.” 

“You all lie, every one of you; there is not one here 
that tells the truth.” 

Silence predominated. 

The king was now in reality drunk, and could hardly 
speak straight. He was leaning against the wall for sup- 
port. The dwarf perceived this, and very well aware that 
the time lost was exceedingly precious, took the band, and 
getting behind his majesty slipped it around him, and tied 
it well, then they all seized him and bore him bodily to 
the window, let him out, and commenced lowering him ; 
but by no means pleased, he used his lungs lustily, and 
kicked like a brave man ; however, finding the more he 
kicked the tighter grew the line, he very wisely desisted, 
and in a few seconds was safely landed on his back on the 
ground, remaining in that position, totally unable to loose 
the band, or to get upon his legs. Folly saw this, and 
requesting the females not to let go their hold, he let him- 
self do^vn, untied the curtains, and then, with remarkable 
agility, ascended, monkey-fashion, to the window. The 
females, one after the other, were lowered, and the merry 
little man amused himself much with their cries and fears. 
The flames burst through at the farther end of the apart- 
ment, and the smoke was dense and suflbcating. All the 


JAVAN. 


105 


women were down, and the dwarf yet remained, so fasten- 
ing the torn curtains around a pillar near by, he safely 
descended, and then they all, with their united strength, 
pulled the sleeping monarch to a place of safety. 


XXL ^ 

THE IMP AND THE GOLDEN BALL 

Ura awoke as if from a trance, and looked around in 
great astonishment, as she knew not how she became 
transported to where she was. Was she not a short time 
previous in her father’s banquet hall, where were assem- 
bled many men, and was she not ordered to give her his- 
tory how and by what means she became possessed of the 
emerald that performed the most miraculous of all mira- 
cles ? and now she was sitting upon the side of a mountain. 
The moon was bright, and the' prospect quite entertaining ; 
but on glancing slowly over the vale at her feet, she 
noticed a great blaze, and beheld her father’s palace in 
flames. This threw her into another train of reflection, 
and she recollected how, when in that building, the cry of 
fire had been heard, and how she sought in vain’ to escape 
its fury ; how, on a sudden, a handsome young man, armed 
with a bright cimeter, had appeared, and at that dreadful 
hour had sought to offend her ; how she ran to the top of 
the tower, the youth pursuing, and how she had sprung 
off ; “ but how came it,” thought she, “ that I am here 
She then gazed attentively at the edifice, and noticed the 
flames embracing every thing; could see the people run- 
ning in all directions, the timbers falling, the millions of 

5 * 


106 


BUBBLES or ElCTlON. 


sparks rushing in the air with thick clouds of smoke ; and 
almost imagined she could feel the heat and hear the roar 
attending the work of devastation. The light subsided, 
and the smoke became less dense, and the fire assuaged its 
fury. Ura felt revived, and entering a cave, laid herself 
dowiT and slumbered, but not bfefore she had offered a 
prayer to the great Kiran, beseeching him to spare the 
lives of her parents and her friends, and to protect her 
during the night. 

The morning arrived, and Ura sat upon a mossy stone 
watching the first rosy tints that ran along the eastern 
horizon till the time when the sun-god, having whipped his 
horses, came dashing on at a great rate, deluging the world 
with his glory. Ura felt hungry; she wandered about, 
and happily found some ripe and juicy berries, with which 
simple fare she made her repast. An hour or two after- 
wards Ura felt thirsty ; before her ran a brook, resembling 
a skein of silver thread, with a cord of like material in the 
center ; and having followed this, it brought her to a place 
where it formed itself into a mimic cascade, and holding 
the hollow of her hand beneath it, succeeded in obtaining 
a refreshing draught. 

But the fair daughter of the handsome king was not 
pleased with her situation ; she liked not thus to be left 
solitary ; so it was her firm determination to descend to 
the vale, seek her parent and her friends, and live with 
them. This resolution was acted upon immediately, and 
the beautiful girl commenced descending, now around a 
bush, now over stones, and then across the trunks of fallen 
trees — but was arrested by a voice. “Stop!” said the 
mysterious sound. Ura did as she was commanded; she 
stopped, and expected to hear it again, but was mistaken. 


JAVAN. 


lOT 


Who could it be — what could it be ? Was it earthly or 
unearthly ? She listened, but heard nothing, therefore she 
again descended. “Stop!” cried the voice still louder, 
and it seemed to proceed from a bush on the left. She 
became, on the repetition of the command, transfixed to the 
earth, her feet refused .to move, and she was rfiotionless. 
Was it her fancy, or was it reality 1 ' Did she really or <^- 
ly imagine she saw a hand, as if ' of a wdman,-wlthout aiiy 
arm or support, and which for an instant pomted towfli’ds 
the bush, and then disappeared ? She thought this extreme- 
ly curious ; what could ft all mean ^- 'Fii’st; she had re(Seived 
a jewel that caused her to become beautiful, theii falls fi'ona 
a tower and finds herself on a mountain, and commenced 
to descend but is arrested by a voice, and beholds a-hand 
pointing to a bush. She determined to proceed to it, but 
the only object there that merited any attentioil v-as a'largO- 
sized nut.; To^break this was her next object, aiid it >lieiiig 
too strong (an attempt' bcilig made) to crack it witl^ her 
hands, she seized a stone, and laid the nut upon a< roek, 
Frokelt, and out dropped a golden ball, riearlymie sfee’df 
the shell iri which it was contained. Uramttered' am ex- 
.claniation of surprise, and grasped at the glittering things 
when it commenced slowly rolling, lira’ wondered whtft 
caused it to do this, as it had been lying perfectly still ; ne¥- 
-ertheless, she followed it. On it rolled, and on rail Ura> 
she was completely fascinated. Often would she irearly 
Tiave it in her grasp, when away it danced, and away -pur- 
sued she.' But, by the headmgof this chapter, theVreader 
expects to hear something about an imp. We wilDtetl 
him all about that by-and-by, and, begging to be fofgiVen 
the disappointment, will leave the beauteous princess^ chas- 
'ing ‘ the golden ball, and present another -scene.' - ' ' ^ 


108 


BUBBLES OF FICTIOW. 


xxn. 

PAD AND JAVAN. 

Up through the trackless air rushed Pad ; his wings 
buzzed loudly, and with one hand grasped he Javan, while 
the other was held aloft as if pointing to the place where 
he was goihg. Up rushed^the two, and as our hero saw 
the objects below recede, he grew fearful and even trem- 
bled; but at last they descended and entered a cave. 
Now let me describe it, and if you do not agi*ee with me 
that it was beautiful, I pity your taste. 

The mouth was surrounded by rough crags and rocks of 
every shape and hue, some brown, others black, some cov- 
ered with green and white moss, others naked, while bram- 
bles and bushes were in great profusion. Only the mouth 
of this cave could be seen, for trees and underbrush covered 
the whole, and ran up even to the top of the mountain in 
whose side it was. Before it was a wild, and in some 
places broken ground, with jutting crags and bushes meet- 
ing the eye in divers places. A narrow path ran in a zig- 
zag manner from the cave to the summit of the mount, and 
moreover from the entrance handsome scenery was beheld, 
though by no means so fine as from the top of Mount 
Pandan. 

The next morning Javan awoke, was charmed with the 
beauty of the place, and called for Pad, who quiokly ap- 
peared. 

“ What do you want of me — asked the spirit. 

“ To gain some information. What became of the pos- 
sessor of the emerald 1 I saw her spring from the blazing 


JAVAN. 


109 


tower, but instead of being, as I expected, dashed on the 
ground, a female caught her, and together t hey flew away.” 

“ That female is my greatest enemy ; her name is Da- 
marina, and she is an angel of Kiran.” 

“ And what are you 1” 

“ She is an angel of the King of Light ; I of the Prince 
of Darkness.” 

“ Indeed ! I expected as much though ; but even if you 
are, cannot you do for me as much as she 1 She bid me 
give up searching for the jewel, you entreated me to go on ; 
she said if I persevered evil would happen ; you otherwise. 
Pad, you were wrong, and she was right, for has not evil 
happened? Where is Kufan, my father?” 

“ Where you will be hereafter.” 

“ And where is that, in Paradise ?” 

“ Precisely ; in a Paradise — but this is trifling — you 
called me, what do you want ?” 

“ I have told you once j what has become of the daugh- 
ter of King Othult ; but what is her name ?” 

“Her name is Ura.” 

“ Yes, Ura the Magnificent — how beautiful she was ; but 
what has become of her ?” 

“ Do you see this mountain on which we stand ? Run 
your eye in a line aloft, and you will faintly see a gigantic 
tree.” 

“ I perceive it” — answered Javan, following the direction 
of the demon’s hands — “ and is Ura there ?” 

“ She is at this moment beneath the tree, viewing the 
landscape.” 

“ I will go this moment, for as you say she is there what 
prevents my getting the jewel ? what more fitting time can 
I have?” 


110 ' BUBBLES OF FICTION. 

“I would willingly let you go, but it is impossible; 
when in that district she is under thr\ care of Damarina; 
you are under my protection ; you cannot go near her, but 
she can come near you»” 

“ Do you say it ? Kiran !” 

“ Hush ! Utter not that name unless you wish me to 
depart.” 

“ I will be more careful in future ; but you said you 
could get her to come here.” 

“ Yes, and now say she is coming.” 

“ Coming ? Is it possible 1 Now will I obtain the jewel ; 
but tell me, why is she coming?” 

“ She has found a nut in a bush ; that nut contains a 
golden ball, which at the present moment is rolling, while 
she pursues.” 

“ And will pursue it,” continued the excited Javan, 
“ till she comes to this cave, and then I will gain two 
things, the emerald and herself. Pad, 1 thank you ; but how 
long will it be before she gets here 1” * 

“She is coming now ; lift your eyes and behold.” 

Javan lifted them, and beheld though yet far distant, a 
female pursuing an object, and every now and then stoop- 
ing as if to catch it. He gave a cry of joy, and with a 
throbbing heart saw her appear and disappear, as she sank 
and rose, owing to the unevqpness of the path ; nearer and 
still nearer did she come. - “ 

“Javan” — spake Pad, shaking his gigantic pinidns-^ 
“ she has passed the bound ariesr— she is yours” — ^and'^pread- 
ing them, he rose from his sight, while our liefo. leaned 
against a tree, pressed his hand to his heart, and awaited 
the approach of our heroine, whom weSwilPnow 
sent to our reader’s notice. .. 


JAVAN. 


Ill 


xxm. 

A FIGHT IN THE AIR. 

On — on — ron — over stone and sod, ^ over brook and 
stream, and grass and sand, went the ball, the glittering 
golden ball, and after it came Ura, Ura the beautiful, 
Ura the blessed, though, at present, Ura the unfortunate. 
A gentle breeze was stirring, just enough to bend the tops 
of the purple flowers that lined the way, and gently to 
rustle the surrounding foliage, but quite sufficient to cause 
her -long curly hair to float behind her, and to impart a 
more brilliant rosy tint to her cheeks, while her eyes spar- 
kled with the excitement of the adventure. No cessation 
was there to the pursuit, and though her breath came fast, 
and her bosom heaved quickly, and the jewel resting there- 
on rose and fell, yet she was fascinated, and pursued the 
resplendent object. 

We have said she wondered what it was that kept it 
rolling, for it was not always down hili, as sometimes it 
would ascend, and swiftly too, very steep places. Had 
her eyes been so gifted as to see as we see, she- would 
have beheld a little laughing imp — little ! aye, a man in 
minature, scarce three inches high, who kept constantly 
pushing it onwards, and when near the grasp of the fliir 
' pursuer would exert himself, and with one blow send it 
far beyond her reach. 

' She entered a green plot of ground and then struck into 
the wild and magnificent path leading to Javairs cave, 
near which he stood, concealed behind a tree, and watching • 
her movements with feelings not easily to be described. 


112 


BUBBLES OE FICTION. 


On she came; Javan was in readiness; the ball rolled 
slower and slow’^er ; Ura thought its capture was at hand, 
and stooped to grasp it, when it fell into a small but deep 
pool by the wayside. She uttered a cry of disappoint- 
ment, and Javan rushed quickly from his hiding place with 
open arms towards her. 

Tremendous claps of thunder rent the air. 

Javan and Ura faced each other in mute astonishment ; 
they became rooted to the earth ; he wished to advance, 
and she to recede, but both were unable to effect their 
purposes. 

The face of nature became changed in the twinkling of 
an eye ; the sky grew dark, while the horizon was illumi- 
nated by a streak of vivid red ; the breeze had departed, 
a deadness overspread every thing, life to all appearance 
was gone, and an unearthly hue was spread over all. 
A streak of dazzling light rushed through the inky sky, a 
crash of thunder followed. Ura trembled and Javan 
quivered with fear. The thunder again roared; terrific 
sounds were heard — wild, long, and dreadful shrieks. A 
rush of wind, carrying all before it — a gigantic whirlwind, 
tore up trees by the roots, spinning them around and 
around. The whirlwind subsided, and the horrified specta- 
tors beheld two objects in combat appear in the air. 

Javan recognized Pad. 

Ura beheld Damarina. 

The demon, with quickly-flapping pinions, and armed 
with a flaming sword, was hovering over the trembling land- 
scape, while above him was Damarina with a blade of flame 
of the most intense whiteness. The weapons clashed, and 
the meeting produced millions of glittering sparks. Grand 
and yet awful w'as the fight; thrusts and blows were 


JAVAN. 


113 


given, when victory seemed to decide for the good genius. 
They were hovering in the air, attacking, pursuing, and 
retreating, when Pad yelled with agony, and using well his 
pinions, escaped howling from the presence of the victori- 
ous fairy, who soared to the realms of light. And then 
the storm passed away and nature smiled again. 


XXIV 

THE DRAGON-FLV. 

The charm was now broke that caused the two youths 
to remain in their respective places. Ura turned and fled, 
while Javan quickly pursued. He caught her by the scarf 
that hung floating from her waist ; it tore, but still on she 
flew. He cried unto her to hear him, but she paid no at- 
tention, and on they went. Fortune seemed to favor him, 
for in a few more seconds he had passed his arm around 
her waist and was trying to possess himself of the jewel. 
Ura screamed for help ; Javan smiled at her vain efforts, 
when on a sudden the fairy seated in a car appeared, he re- 
linquished his hold, and Ura having sprang in the vehicle, 
which was drawn by pigeons, beside the fairy, off they 
glided. When Javan thought his prize secure, lo ! it was 
wrested from him. Instead of being the possessor of the 
beauteous maid and the famed jewel, he was the possessor 
of nothing but bitter disappointment — and on flew the car 
drawn by the active pigeons, and Javan cried unto Pad for 
help. The demon appeared. 

“ Give me the means to overtake them” — cried Javan — 
“I had her within my grasp when she was carried off.” 


114 


BUBBLES OF FICTION. 


' “ Damarina is my conqueror and my power will soon 
leave me. Bitter enmity exists between us, and the con- 
test was all on account of that golden ball that drew lira 
toward you.” 

“ Will there be another fight I” 

“ One of us must be vanquished ; encounters will follow 
encounters till one of us is destroyed ; but you wished to 
pursue her” — he stamped the ground — “ what sort of con- 
veyance would you like to have, for I can bring any kind 
or description 1” 

“ The quickest.” 

Pad again stamped the earth, and an immense dragon-fly 
appeared, whose wings extended a vast distance, and on 
whose back Javan sprang, and in a moment was in quick 
pursuit. Now came a tremendous race through the air ; 
for Damarina seeing the conveyance produced by her ene- 
my, and knowing the speed at which it went ; and more- 
over, knowing she possessed no means of evading it, cheered 
her winged creatures with her voice, while Javan, with his 
arms wound around the neck of the gigantic insect, saw 
with pleasure how he gained upon his fair prey. The drag- 
on-fly kept on in a perfectly straight course, for in a peifectly 
straight course kept the fairy. On a sudden the feathery 
steeds turned to the right, and Javan’s insect in 'wheeling 
for the purpose of still keeping up the pursuit, unluck- 
ily jerked our hero off his insecure seat, and down went he 
at a fearful rate through the air. What was below he knew 
not, fur with such rapidity did he descend that all objects 
were indistinguishable. 

Down went Javan — obliquely. 

Down went Javan — perpendicularly. - 

Down went Javan—headforemost into the waters of a 


, JAVAN. r 115 

large lake, where we will leave him descending, and turn to 
other matters. 


XXV. 

WHAT HAPPENED TO THE PICKLES OF OTHULT THE KING. 

King Othult, driven from one palace, went to another 
.not far distant, for he possessed many. Quite happy was 
he at hia rescue, and when he had become sober, repented 
having been so cruel towards the wise men as to cut off 
their heads, instead of which he ought to have raised them 
to honor and offices of distinction. He felt grieved ; but 
the half dozen goblets of wine drank for the’ purpose of 
wishing them success in entering Paradise, completely re- 
moved his poignant grief, and placed him in a right merry 
mood. 

The king and those of his court that had escaped the 
flames, settled themselves in the new palace, and events 
transpired as formerly. Now and then he thought about 
his daughter, the fair Ura, and wondered what had become 
of her. He smoked and drank, and the smoke operating 
upon his nerves, he fell asleep, awaking with the convic- 
tion that if she were consumed in the late conflagration, 
that he would never see her again ; but if otherwise, he 
might or might not have that great pleasure ; and then 
King Othult became exceedingly merry, and determined 
to have rejoieings, and for this reason commanded the 
comic dancers to be brought before him : they came, and 
were composed of the females of the palace, but so 
disguised that one would have hard work to discover 


116 BUBBLES OF FICTION. 

what they were, some being transformed into animals, 
some into reptiles, some into birds, and some into beings 
that never were seen in heaven, earth, or sea. Their 
dancing, too, how odd ! it was not dancing, but a series 
of capers, springings, boundings, jumpings, and rollings, 
and such a variety of confused noises, that King Othult 
was nigh dying with laughter. When they had finished 
their curious contortions, he treated them to a goblet of 
wine apiece, and then dismissed them. 

King Othult loved wine, and King Othult drank wine. 
Now, being faithful chroniclers, it is our duty at this, mo- 
ment to make known to the reader a very curious trait in 
the taste of this worthy monarch. Men have their idols ; 
sometimes it is wine, sometimes it is gambling they fancy 
above all things, and many for their objects of worship 
have women; but our handsome king, though his taste 
partook of all these things, yet his' chief delight was in 
eating a certain preserve called pickles. At that moment 
he felt as if he should like some, so he ordered an ugly 
slave in the corner to have the jar containing them brought 
before him. It was brought. This jar, a present from a 
neighboring king, was full four feet high, and made of clay 
and painted, having a beautiful appearance. On it was 
delineated different scenes, humorous, comic, and tragic, 
being scenes in love and scenes in war, while the large 
mouth was covered by an immense brazen lid, heavily 
embossed, and ornamented with divers curious figures. 
Two eunuchs brought this in, a long two-pronged fork was 
produced, the king grasped the fork, the slave unfastened 
and raised the lid, and the monarch was about making a 
stroke for one of the floating delicacies, when what should 
appear but the head of our worthy little friend the dwarf. 


JAVAIf. 


117 


The females shouted with laughter, the eunuchs dropped 
the lower portion of their faces and raised their eyebrows, 
while the youth himself suddenly withdrew his head, in 
time to escape the two-pronged fork, which had been 
thrown by his angry master. 

“Folly !” — cried he, in a tremendous voice — “Folly !” 

“Well, sire” — said he within the jar. 

Up with your head.” 

The dwarf did as commanded. 

“ Why have you spoiled my pickles 1” 

“ I could not help it, master. I was put in.” 

“Put in! By whoml” — said Othult — “but first get 
out of that.” 

“ I cannot.” 

“ Then stay there.” 

And the dwarf was again imprisoned, and the cover re- 
fastened. Othult, angry as he was, could not but smile 
when he saw the dwarf’s woful appearance, as he very 
much resembled a pickle himself, but he thought it would 
do him good to keep him there a short time. 

“ Folly says” — spake the king to the surrounding aston- 
ished persons — “ that some one put him in the jar ; did he 
speak the truth 1” 

“Yes, your majesty, he did” — was heard to proceed 
from the jar. 

“ Who, then” — said the king — “put you in?” 

“ It was Meemee.” 

“ Meemee, come here.” 

And Meemee came from among the females who were 
reclining on one side of the room, and advanced before 
him. 

“ Did you put him in, Meemee ?” 


118 


BUBBLES OF FICTION. 


“I did, my lord.” 

“Did you not know my pickles would be spoiled in 
consequence 

“ Yes ; but it was the only thing at hand. You must 
know, my lord, that it w^as at a very early hour this morn- 
ing that Poulee and myself were in our room occupied in 
dressing our hair, for we had taken a ramble in the coun- 
try, and the branches of the trees and the wind had 
discomposed it. I then was talking of the late fire, how 
lucky we were to escape, and how it was all owing to the 
skill of Folly, and had made an end of my discourse, 
when a noise was heard behind the curtain of the window, 
and on removing it the dwarf was discovered. He fell on 
his knees, and said his audacity was owing to his great love 
for me — (the little imp!) — and he furthermore said he 
would die if I would not return his passion. We both 
laughed, but he immediately arose and ran to where I was 
sitting, and before I was aware, fell to kissing me.” 

“ It is a lie, your majesty” — said the voice from the jar. 

“ Silence !” — said the king, and the eunuch softly shook 
the earthenware, while the unfortunate prisoner was heard 
to splutter at a great rate. 

“ Stop I stop ! my master” — he cried. 

“Will you be silent there]” — said the king. 

“ I will ; but that was unti-ue that Meemee said, for 
I never kissed her, but would like to do so.” 

“ Continue your narrative” — said the king to Meemee. 

“I have nigh done” — replied she. — “ When he made the 
attack, we both thought something must be done, so we 
caught the youth, and despite his kicking and scratching, 
were about to carry him to Beilin, that he might feel the 
rod, when we passed through the chamber where was the 


JAVAlf. 


119 


jar, I thought it empty, so we raised the lid, and with no 
little trouble got the refractory fellow inside, and fastening 
the lid, we retired.” 

“Is that so. Folly f’ — said the king. 

“ Yes, your majesty” — replied the dwarf. 

“ Beilin, take that fellow and give him a sound washing 
and then a sound whipping, for I will learn him to go after 
niy women and spoil my pickles. Take him off, Beilin, 
and see that full justice is done.” 

The eunuch bowed and the jar was withdrawn, while I 
suppose there is hardly any use in stating that Folly 
received the full extent of his sentence. 


XXVI. 

THE MESSENGER OF BAFFRA. 

The day after this important affair, and late in the after- 
noon, a stranger appeared at the entrance of King Othult’s 
palace, and a guard appeared before the stranger, and was 
told to bring him before his lord and master. He hast- 
ened away, soon returned, and the stranger was shown into 
the room where sat Othult the Magnificent upon a cusF 
ion of golden cloth, surrounded by his wise men. The 
stranger bowed to the ground, and standing, spake as fol- 
lows : 

“ Know, oh king, that I am sent by the puissant monarch 
Baffra, unto the great, the noble, the magnificent King 
Othult.” 

“ The name of Baffra be respected,” observed the king. 

“ The name of Baffra be respected,” murmured the wise 
men ; but to the stranger it sounded so curiously, that he 


120 


BUBBLES OF FICTION. 


could not forbear laughing, which want of respect so exas- 
perated the king that he sprang to his feet, dashed down 
his pipe, (which caused the dwarf to clap his hand to his 
head, and utter an exclamation of pain,) and called upon 
his guards to remove the man from his presence. 

“ Know, oh king, that this conduct shall not go unre- 
warded. The mighty Baffra shall become acquainted with 
the treatment his servant received, and the great Othult 
shall grovel at his feet in the dust.” 

The guards entered, but before they could lay hands on 
him the stranger had escaped, and mounting his fleet steed 
was soon away. The king, wondering what message the 
stranger brought, ordered one of his soldiers to mount the 
fastest horse he had and overtake him, and persuade him 
to return. Towards evening, the stranger again stood be- 
fore him, and Othult learned that Baffra had asked the 
hand of the Princess Ura in marriage. 

“ Oh messenger of the mighty king” — said he — “ I know 
not where she is.” 

But the messenger thought that quite impossible, and 
thinking it a falsehood, departed in. a rage, firmly resolving, 
that as he was the favorite of his lord, he would get him 
instantly to declare war against the monarch who saw fit to 
refuse his daughter in marriage. Baffra heard the reception 
his favorite had received, and notwithstanding his great 
love for the fair Ura, and her love for him, (for they had 
been often together, and the reader will recollect, in 
the first part of this story, where the princess and her 
attendants had collected around the fainted pilgrim, she 
mentioned a certain person bearing his name,) resolved to 
give instant war ; and for this purpose he collected a great 
army, and quickly commenced the march. 


JAVAN. 


121 


XXVII. 


THE SEARCH FOR URA. 


1 


I 

1 

j 

! 


! 


Great was the anxiety felt by the king for his lost 
daughter. It is true at one time he came to the conclusion 
she had been destroyed by the raging flames, but then 
when he was more sober his mind was by no means at 
rest. That she was among the ill-fated at the conflagration 
he could hardly believe. Did she not receive, from a mes- 
seifger doubtless of the great Kiran, the far-famed emerald ? 
If so, was it not then probable she would be preserved 1 
So it was his firm belief that she was alive, and if so it 
was his determination to send people in search. Quite a 
number were therefore collected, and at last the expedition 
departed. 

lira, when protected by the fairy, was landed from her 
car on the mountain side, and before she could express her 
gratitude found herself alone. A day passed; a weary 
day, for every thing was so still, and she was so lonely. 
Now about the evening hour it chanced she beheld in the 
plain beneath, a body of persons spread out so as to occupy 
a great space of ground. They commenced ascending the 
mountain, and then, by the color of their banners, she per- 
ceived they were the men of her noble father, so she came 
and advanced towards them; they discovered her, and 
immediately a loud cry of joy arose, and in triumph she 
was conducted to the palace. The king received his daugh- 
ter at the gate, and grasping her hands imprinted a kiss 
upon her forehead ; then presented her to one or two of 
his wives, for he had quite a number (though not so great 


122 


BUBBLES OF FICTION. 


a number as Solomon) — now the mother of Ura was dead — 
and then having heard the recital of her adventures, which 
were briefly narrated, rendered thanks to Kiran, com- 
manded all the prisoners taken in war should be liberated, 
and also that at night there should be a grand illumination, 
with a magnificent display of colored fires in front of the 
palace. The prisoners were liberated, to their joyful sur- 
prise, though they at first imagined it was to their execu- 
tion ; but when they found their chains knocked off and 
the doors thrown open, and they were at liberty to go 
wheresoever they pleased, they proceeded in a mass to the 
palace, where nothing would satisfy them but that the 
princess should be seen, for they had heard it was by 
her means they had been freed. She came, they saw, and 
a terrific shout arose. The king also received his share of 
the applause, and so overjoyed was he that he commenced 
capering about with any one within reach, and before long 
had sought the cup to excite him still more, which produced 
its efiect, for ere long he fell to the ground dead — drunk, 
and there was of course no fireworks that evening. 


XXVIII. 

, the false baffra. 

Let us return to Javan. We have shown how, from his 
insecure seat on the scaly back of a gigantic dragon-fly, he 
fell, and how he entered the waters of a large lake, head 
foremost, and when the chapter came to an end, was half 
immersed ; we will therefore let him entirely disappear. 
As he did not know how to swim, when he came to the 


JAVAN. 


123 


surface he struggled with the waters, and heard the dreadful 
noise of the overwhelming waves ; he could see nothing, 
and gave himself up for lost, but then the remembrance of 
the demon who had led him into all these difficulties flashed 
upon him, and he managed to call upon him, when with a 
loud noise he appeared. 

“ Help me !” — cried the sinking youth. 

“ Hold in your breath and you will float.” 

He did so, and found he did indeed float. 

“ Now thrust out your legs and make strokes with your 
arms at the same time.” 

And he did this also, finding by the experiment he swam, 
and before long he stood upon the bank with Pad by his 
side. He found fault with the demon for having forsaken 
him ; but the spirit said his trouble was owing entirely to 
his not having remained on the dragon-fly, which had 
orders to pursue the pigeons; however, at present he had a 
fine plan, which he thought would succeed. “You must 
know,” said he, “ that Ura is in love with a prince named 
Baffra, whose kingdom is next to Othult’s. Now this 
BaflTra has been some time absent from the presence ot 
Ura, and in truth is dying of love for her. Therefore he 
has this day sent a messenger to king Othult, asking the 
hand of his daughter in marriage, and the king not know- 
ing in reality where his daughter was, frankly told him so, 
when Baffra has determined to give him battle, so that he 
may obtain the hand of the princess by force, as he sup- 
poses he cannot by entreaty. The princess whom you 
have chased, has reached the side of the mountain some 
time ago, and will before long be in her father’s palace, for 
he has of a sudden taken a strong interest in her welfare, 
and sent a company for her discovery. Now this is my 


124 


BUBBLES OF FICTION. 


plan. I will transport you to the tent of Baffra, who, with 
his army, are not far distant, and will make you take his 
appearance, and cause the real prince to vanish.” 

“ Then” — exclaimed Javan — “ I will give battle, and if 
fortunate, very well, but if peace should be made then the 
princess will give me her hand, and she and the jewel will 
be in my power.” 

“You are right, let us now depart.” 

They together ascended in the air. 

“ What do you see before you said Pad, after a mo- 
ment’s interval of time. 

“ Many tents pitched.” 

“ It is the encampment of Baffra.” 

“ Where then shall w^e alight so as not to be seen *?” 

“ It matters not, for we are both invisible.” 

They touched ground, and proceeding to the tent of the 
chief, which was easily distinguished, they passed by the 
vigilant guard, who with naked cimeter stood at the en- 
trance, and entered. Baffra was sitting on a cushion calmly 
smoking. Pad advanced and commenced waving his hand 
and Baffra grew drowsy, shut his eyes, nodded, and fell back 
on his couch, wrapped in a deep slumber ; then Pad, passing 
his hand over the sleeping person, did the same to the as- 
tonished Javan, and lo ! the aspect of his face was changed, 
and in the place of his owm he possessed that of Baffra ; 
his clothes next underwent the transformation, and the false 
Baffra stood beside the demon. Pad clapped his hands, 
and a little imp came slowly swinging to and fro, descend- 
ing through the air from the top of the tent, then another, 
and another, and yet another, till a great quantity filled the 
place. At a given signal they arranged themselves .on each 
side the sleeping prince, grasping some portion of his gar- 


JAVAN. 


125 


merits and spreading their small pinions arose, and Javan 
saw neither them nor the sleeper any more. 

The morning came, and Javan awaking from sleep, was 
extremely astonished to find how much he had gained in 
knowledge, as all the most secret thoughts of the real 
prince came to his memory, and even all the events of his 
past life, how he had first seen Ura, the impression she had 
made, and how he fell in love, and after a while departed 
from the palace on account of the sickness of his aged fa- 
ther, and how, when he had died, the regal powers came unto 
him, and also having sent a messenger to ask the hand of 
her he loved, the messenger was insulted and his request 
denied, and how, resenting the refusal, he had determined to 
wage battle, and if possible, carry off the princess. All 
these events and many of less importance, flew quickly 
over the false Baffra’s mind, so that when the attendants in 
the morning entered the tent he was by no means at a loss 
how to act. The whole army was now on the march, and 
before night had thrown her dark veil over the peaceful 
face of Mother Nature, the doomed city was within view. 
New emotions reigned in the bosom of the false Baffra. 
He was about giving battle, and if none was offered in re- 
turn, to sack the place, while. all his care would be to seek 
the fair Ura, who, according to the demon’s word, was in 
the palace. 


XXIX. 


THE WISE MEN OF THE KINGDOM. 


Now it came to pass it was evening, and it also came to 


126 


BUBBLES OF FICTION. 


pass that the evening was dark, so that the guards of Baf- 
fra’s army did not perceive a spy among them. When 
safe, the youth ran and carried the news to King Othult, 
who, as it may be supposed, was rather surprised, and ran, 
just as fast as his short legs would carry him, to his harem, 
where he made known the dismal news, and was nearly 
smothered by the frantic embraces of his women, who all 
— as in the occurrence of the fire — ^looked to him for help. 
But this was too much for the afflicted monarch, so knock- 
ing down first this one, then that, and managing to escape 
from the place, he ran into the room where were all the 
wise men of the kingdom — exactly twelve — seated in a 
ring cross-legged, with their chins resting on their hands 
and their long white beards falling therefrom ; and Othult 
sat cross-legged in the midst. 

“ W oe ! woe ! woe !” said the first wise man, after Othult 
had spoken. 

“ Awful news, awful news !” said the second wise man. 

“ Umph !” cried the third. 

But the rest said nothing. 

“ My counsellors,” aaid the king. 

All eyes were turned upon him. 

“ What shall we do V’ 

“ What shall we do said the first, with the utmost 
gravity. 

“ What shall we do ?” said the second. 

“ What shall we do f ’ said the third. 

And the rest said likewise. 

“ Shall we fight V’ said the king. 

“ Shall we fight 1” said the first man of wisdom. 

“ Shall we fight V’ said the second, and then the rest. 

“ I think we had better,” observed the king. 


JAVAN. 


127 


“ I think we had better,” observed the first. 

“ I think we had better” — observed the second. 

And the third — 

And the fourth — 

And the fifth — 

And the sixth — 

And the seventh — 

And the eighth — 

And the ninth — 

And the tenth — ^ 

And the eleventh — 

And the twelfth — 

Therefore, owing to the opinions of those men, whose 
brows were shadowed by green leaves, in consequence of 
their profound wisdom, it was resolved — that battle 

SHOULD BE GIVEN. 


XXX. 

THE EXPEDITION OF FOLLY, THE DWARF. 

It was not only in the palace the uproar existed, for the 
whole place was steeped in terror. “ The enemy ! the en- 
emy !” cried the men ; the women caught up the sound, 
and it was echoed by the children. Some were arming 
themselves for combat, but exactly one half of the inhabit- 
ants, when the news was made known, arose, took only 
their children, and ran from the place in an opposite direc- 
tion to the encampment of the enemy, for the mountains. 

The morning came, and Othult ran with all his females 
and two or three frightened eunuchs, to the top of the 


128 


BUBBLES OF FICTION. 


large tower gracing this, as one did the former palace, and 
from that commanding station saw, with trembling limbs 
and throbbing heart, the bright flashing of the spears of 
the opposing army ; how bitterly did he then repen^ his 
conduct towards the messenger ! how sorry was he that his 
daughter was not given to the Prince Baffra ! Every thing 
appeared to be a judgment against him, and he verily be- 
lieved this day would be his last. A commotion was 
heard below, and soon the cause of it. Folly, made his 
appearance.' 

“I have a favor to ask your majesty” — said he, bending 
the knee — “ are you not surrounded by danger ! and is it 
not likely evil will befall you 

“Yes; but is it only to tell me this that you came 
here 

“ Oh, no; I came to deliver you from all this evil.” 

“You I Verily, that is wonderful ; how will you under- 
take it 

• “By going forth, and no doubt I will be captured.” 

“ Ha ! ha !” — laughed Othult, in spite of his ten or — 
“ no doubt you will ; there is not the least doubt of it.” 

“ But that, your majesty, is precisely what I want.” 

“ You want to be captured !” — exclaimed, in return, the 
surprised king— “then how can you free me from'the 
danger?” 

“1 will tell you: when I am captured, I will be taken, 
just as 1 am, before Prince Baffra.” 

“No doubt you will, and no doubt his'-first command 
will be to strike ofl* your head.” 

“ It may be, and it may not be so. Now, this is my plan : 

I will of a sudden slip from my guards, for I am very ex- 
pert, and rushing upon the prince, will run this dagger in 


JAVAN* 


129 


him,’^ producing a small one; “even if I do not make a 
large wound, my labor will not be thrown away, for you 
must know the point of the weapon is dipped in a most 
deadly poison, and when once it enters the flesh, all the 
skill in the world cannot keep the person who receives it 
from death.” 

“ And you will engage” — said the king — “ to rid me of 
the enemy 

“ I will, and it was for that purpose I came here.” 

“ But, then, should you strike the king, you will most 
certainly be killed.” 

“ I am aware of that, but do not in the least hesitate, 
for I love my king, and would cheerfully die for him.” 

“ How can I express my gratitude V Go, Folly, go, and 
may success await you.” 

W e will follow the dwarf, and see how he succeeds in 
his expedition. Descending quickly the stairs of the 
tower, he was soon outside, and telling one or two persons 
the whole affair, induced them to chase him when he was 
at a certain distance, and also to fire an arrow or two, but 
by no means to hit him. This was to let the enemy see 
he was running from his camp, as if he were guilty of 
treachery. On he ran, and one or two men afler him ; he 
did his best, and kept at a good distance, for, notwith- 
standing his small stature. Folly was quick of foot, and 
could outstrip in speed many a full-grown man. To the 
camp of the besiegers directed he his steps, and when his 
pursuers saw he was about getting in danger, they wheeled 
and went about as fast in the opposite direction, while 
Folly stayed not his pace till arrested by a guard, who 
conducted the curiosity to Baffra’s tent. J avan was aston- 
ished at the figure, and immediately there was a dispute 
6 ^ 


130 


BUBBLES OF FICTION. 


among the men what this could be, whether a human being 
or monkey. And they could not agree till the dwarf, not 
liking the -severe pressure the guard gave his wrist, wished 
him, in the politest terms imaginable, to release his grasp. 
He complied, and with all the bystanders was amazed ; and' 
Folly was free; now was the wished-for moment, so rush- 
ing upon the false Baffra, he quick as thought buried the 
dagger in that prince’s leg, and as quickly was by that 
person’s foot levelled on the ground. The guard cried, 
“ Murder !” while the rest shouted, “ Treason !” but 
“Pshaw!” said Javan, “1 hope you do not suppose I am 
frightened by that imp and his bodkin.” 

“The wound is not very dangerous,” said one of the 
attendants ; “ the little rascal came here on purpose to kill 
you, and was sent by his noble master. If he had been 
taller, my lord, your moments would have been num- 
bered.” 

“ I know it, I know it ; but take away the animal.” 

“ What shall we do with him I” 

“ Any thing you please, only take him away.” And his 
leg was bound up with a scarf to stop the bleeding. Mean- 
while the dwarf was led from the tent and fastened to a 
long stake. The soldiers were gathered together medita- 
ting what should be done. 

“ Ha ! ha ! ha 1” laughed the dwarf mentally, “ they 
say if I had been taller his days would have been numbered. 
Ha ! ha ! little do they know his days arc numbered, and 
in not a very long time, Baffra will be — but how tight 
they tie' me ! How savage they look, these grim men ! 
I have done my part, now comes theirs ; I wonder what 
they will do to me 

At last an idea struck the soldiers and the army at that 


JAVAN. 


'131 


moment preparing to advance for the purpose of attacking 
the city, the dwarf and stake were shouldered, and he was 
forced to proceed with them till they came nigh unto the 
walls of the city ; then they drove it firmly in the ground, 
and our little friend found himself not only a prisoner, but 
also in a very precarious situation, for the enemy having 
advanced, and hostilities having begun, he grew not a little 
frightened at the arrows as they fell around him, and the 
stones as they whizzed past his head. 


XXXI. 


THE BATTLE. 

From the windows Othult saw the enemy advance, be- 
held their glittering spears, and heard their loud war shout ; 
now rushed the arrows, carrying death with them, and to- 
gether with the stones, completely darkening the air ; the 
din and yells tended to make the royal spectator shake with 
fear, and now and then an arrow would strike the tower, 
and a stone would thunder against its wooden walls, for 
quite near was he to the scene of action. A cessation took 
place, followed by a fearful roar, and the whole body of 
men ran quickly onwards ; the fighting was terrific ; the 
enemy scaled the walls, attacked the inhabitants ; yells, 
shrieks, and groans rent the air ; none were spared, and 
dwelling after dwelling was set on fire, and Othult stared 
and shook, and yet did stare. 

The enemy spread over the place ; smoke arose in every 
quarter, and soon it was evident the palace was in their 
power. A crash of stones was heard ; arms glittered every- 


132 


BUBBLES OF FICTION. 


where, and the sword drank blood. The tower was 
attacked, and the foremost of those that ascended was 
Javan, the false Baffra ; in his hand was a long crimsoned 
sword, and his turban was stained with the blood from his 
wounds ; his dress was reddened with the day’s work, and 
nis face was wild in aspect. At our hero’s presence Othult 
yelled with terror, and then fell on his knees praying for 
mercy — and the women were lying fainting in a heap. 

“ Where is the princess 1” said Javan, raising his sword. 

“ Above,” cried Othult. 

Our hero quickly ascended to the room where he would 
find the lovely Ura. 


XXXII. 

FOLLY, THE DWARF. 

When the first charge was made, Folly felt the whiz- 
zing of the implements of war, and gave himself up for 
lost ; he prayed loudly for succor, but in the middle of 
the action was knocked down, stake and all, and insensi- 
bility followed — he awoke, and rubbmg his eyes, tried to 
discover where he was, and found the tide of war had 
passed, and raising his head, saw the men scaling the city 
walls ; when finding such to be the case, he managed, with 
an arrow that lay near by, to cut the cord that bound him 
to the stake, and then using his legs, ran towards the 
forest, not far distant. He gained it, and climbing a tree, 
stayed there for safety, when, being quite tired, he slum- 
bered. Awful were his dreams, for they were entirely 
about being killed at the stake, and so much did they affect 


JAVAN. 


133 


him, that he shook with fear, which caused him to fall from 
his seat, and down through the branches fell he — but just 
before touching ground stopped so suddenly that it nearly 
killed him ; he looked up to see what was the matter, and 
then to his horror found the end of the rope, which was 
still attached to his body, had become entangled among 
the branches — he tried to get loose, but was unable — the 
winding cord caused him slowly to revolve, some four feet 
above the earth, and some distance from the body of the 
tree — he essayed to untie the knot wherewith he was 
fastened around the waist, but owing to the great pressure 
was unable to do it, and his hands were so cut by the 
the cords, that to use them in attempting to ascend by the 
rope was out of question; so he was at full liberty to 
think of all his actions. 

“ This” — thought he — “ is surely a punishment for my 
sins, for killing Baffra, as he certainly will die. But how 
am I to get away Here, no doubt, I will hang till death 
comes. Better had it been were I to have perished on the 
battle-field ; but here — ugh ! — that bird !” — and he struck 
at a bird of prey wheeling about his head. “ Good heav- 
ens ! it wants to eat me before I am dead !” 

And the dwarf roared in his agony ; then he commenced 
with great exertions to get himself into a swinging motion, 
so that peradventure he might catch the branches, but he 
gave it up and hung motionless, only at times driving off 
the audacious fowl. After a time he grew faint ; the bird 
contined swooping around him; he lay still; and then, 
after awhile, the bird of prey lit upon his face — for — Folly 
the dwarf was dead. 


134 


BUBBLES OF FICTION. 


XXXIII. 

JAVAn’s liAST ATTEMPT TO OBTAIN THE EMERALD. 

Javan tore down the curtain and rushed into the room, 
in the farther corner of which was Ura, crouched in an 
attitude of fear. 

“ My Baffra !” cried she, arisuig and running towards 
him. , 

Back !” shouted he, presenting his 'weapon ; “ where is 
itr 

“ Where is what 1 Am I not here ] Did you not come 
former 

“ No ; hut for something far more precious — the Eme- 
rald.” 

“ Ha ! is it that !” and in a moment of hitter disappoint- 
ment she tore it from her hosorn, and threw it far out of 
the window, when immediately her great heauty vanished. 
“Was it for this you came, and not for me? — it is gone.” 

“ Wretched girl !” yelled the furious Javan. 

Pad stood before him. 

“You have done the work,” said the smiling demon, 
pointing to the prostrate female. 

“ I see — 1 have killed her — the princess — the — ” 

“ It is untrue, she is not the princess.” 

“ Who then is it ?” 

“ Java.” 

“Java!” cried Javan, dropping his weapon and gazing 
upon him as only those horror-struck can gaze, and retreat- 
ing ten or twelve steps. ' ' . 

“See!” 


JAVAN. 135 

And the dying girl bore the resemblance of her he 
loved. 

“ Java,” cried Pad, “ behold your lover ! the contract is 
finished.” 

And Baffra was changed into Javan. 

“My Javan ! my Javan!” and she died. 

“ Accursed demon 1” cried the horror-struck youth, 
“ what means this f ’ 

“ When you had departed in search for the emerald, she 
grew desirous of knowing for what purpose you thus left. 
I presented myself and made a contract, in which I was to 
bring her into possession of the gem. Ura, Othult’s 
daughter, having, by negligence of prayer, placed herself 
in my power, as did also the Prince Baffra, I removed her, 
(as I did him,) and in her stead placed Java, causing her to 
take the princess’s resemblance, having first promised that 
she would meet her lover when she found the great eme- 
rald. The only thing that astonished me was, that Dama- 
rina could have taken her under her protection ; for it can 
be hardly possible she knew not the change ; but such, in 
fact, might be the case. The .time has arrived ; she saw 
you, and she had the jewel. She is gone.” 

“Where 

“Would you like to know?” 

“Yes.” 

“ And to follow ?” 

“Yes.” 

“ Then press my wrist.” 

Javan pressed it, and fell motionless on the floor. 


136 


BUBBLES OF FICTION. 


\ 


XXXIV. 

DOWNFALL OF THE TOWER. 

The men thronged the tower, when, being of light work- 
manship, it gave way — a yell and cloud of dust arose, and 
all was still, and the place was burned and blackened where 
before had stood so many handsome dwellings, and but few 
escaped the terrors of that day. 

— Please except those that ran to the mountains. 


XXXV. 

JAVAN AND JAVA. 

“ Open your eyes,” said the demon. 

Javan did so, but owing to the terrible sight he beheld, 
instantly closed them. 

“ Where am 1 

“In the Paradise I spoke to you about, on Mount Pan- 
daii.” 

“And Java?” 

“See.” 

“ Great Kiran !” 

“ Come—” 

“ Spare me ! — ” 

“ Come—” 

“ Spare ! — ” ' 

But it was too late. 

***** 


THE FROST IMPS. 


It was a really magnificent day, as I encased myself in a 
thick overcoat, buttoned it up to my throat, and left the 
house, treading upon the snow that had fallen the preceding 
night. How delightful was the sound as it crisped beneath 
the step, how bracing was the cool air, and how superbly 
the trees appeared, all gayly frosted o’er and glittering in the 
rays of the sun ! Truly it was a beautiful morning. 

It was my intention, determined upon while proceeding 
towards Broadway, to visit my particular friend Alfred Roy- 
al, and see the great object of which he had spoken so much. 
I wandered on and on till the gay thoroughfare was reached, 
and there in reality a fine spectacle was presented. The 
sleighs were out, ranging from the heavy, clumsy article be- 
longing to the stage lines, and dragged by two or thi-ee pair 
of horses, as the case might be, to the light, zephyry con- 
trivance skimming the snowy surface of the ground, drawn 
by the stylish nag, gayly caparisoned, with a host of silver 
bells, and whose drivers appeared to take the utmost satisfac- 
tion in seeing how near they could glide past a stage sleigh, 
and not receive any danger from the experiment. 

Down Broadway went I, feasting my eyes wdth these fine 
sights, but with my thoughts elsewhere ; they being cen- 
tered upon the object of my morning’s excursion. That 
part of the day is by me usually devoted to wandering in 
the paths of literature, for perhaps the reader is not aware 


138 


BUBBLES OF FICTION. 


that it has so pleased fortune as to make me one of that 
unfortunate class of beings termed authors, who rack their 
very brains, consume ink, paper, time, etc. etc. etc. — for 
what ? perhaps a momentary fame, or barely enough of the 
“ filthy lucre” for their maintenance. In the mornings, 
therefore, I am usually occupied at the desk, but in the af- 
ternoons am at liberty; however, this friend of mine, 
Alfred Royal, was urgent for me to pay him a visit that 
morning, as he had a very curious object he would like me 
to see, as he supposed I was a lover of the marvelous, 
i had known this youth for some time. He was a person 
that was continually reading scientific works, making all 
sorts of experiments, and was by profession a watch-maker. 
He had also been for some time engaged with an article 
that w'as at present completed, and he wished me to see its 
power thoroughly tested. This being the case, and know'- 
ing, moreover, that there was hardly a chance but that I 
would be pleased with the exhibition, w'hatever ifmight be, 
I had not touched pen or paper that morning, deferring my 
labors till I had returned from paying the visit in question. 

After a short time spent in walking down New York’s 
gayest street I turned into a narrow one, and after thread- 
ing my way along this for ‘no short space of time, ar- 
rived at an alley, down which dark passage I proceeded, 
and then rapped soundly on a crazy door, which was opened 
by a shoeless, stockingless girl, and to my inquiry whether 
Mr. Royal was in, was answered in the affirmative and di- 
rected to his room, the door of which was attained after 
stumbling up a pair of ill-made stairs and tumbling over a 
trunk or box at the head. Having knocked, I heard steps, 
and the door was opened. 

“ Ah, my dear fellow,” said the occupant, grasping me 


THE FROST IMPS. 


139 


by the hand, “ I am glad to see you. I knew you would 
come, and so have placed every thing in readiness; but 
sit down, and let us first talk a little.’' 

I assented, and we sat on chairs near the window. Al- 
,fred Royal was a curious being, for at times he would be 
as light and cheerful as one could wish, and then he would 
sink into despondency, and be deep-plunged into melan- 
choly, out of which it was a useless attempt to draw him. 
In appearance he was thoughtful, but his eyes ! there, in- 
deed, you might gaze, and ^ gaze with pain, too, for they 
possessed a curious searching property, and as you looked 
you might imagine you were being glanced into, even to 
your very heart, and the passions reigning there were 
being read. Ilis whole appearance was as one who *had 
seen much sorrow. Now, he appeared in the cheerful 
mood. His conversation was gay, embracing various 
topics, all of which were treated with his usual skill. 

“Now, Alfred,” said I, “suppose you show me the 
wonderful thing that has brought me here.” 

“Yes, I will, and I am certain you will be aston- 
ished.” 

“ Of course ; it was to be astonished that I gave up' this 
morning’s work.” 

“ The object I will show you is, to tell the truth, some- 
thing not met with every day. I myself have made it, 
and have spent nearly ten years of my life, that is, leaving 
out the hours devoted to my trade ; yes, ten years have I 
been engaged in the manufacture of it, and now think it 
perfection.” 

“ Produce it,” cried I, “ produce it ; do not keep me any 
longer in suspense ; let me behold this most wonderful ar- 
ticle, for, in reality, I greatly desire to sec it.” 


140 


BUBBLES OF FICTION. 


“ If you will hand me the box by your side, I will show 
it to you.” 

And he pointed to a square one of mahogany, bound 
with brazen clasps, and secured also with a strap, serving 
at the same time as a handle. 

“What!” cried I, “is it in this small affair? Surely 
you must have something rivalling the articles we read 
of in one of the stories in that most entertaining work, 
called the ‘ Thousand and One Nights.’ ” 

“ It does greatly resemble one of them.” 

“ Which ? as I guess I know the story you refer to ; the 
magical tapestry, the wonderful apple, or the enchanted 
spy-glass ?” 

“ The latter.” 

“Have you a spy-glass in this box? Can you see 
whether the occupants of the moon carry their heads on 
their shoulders or under their arms ?” 

“ I shall say nothing about it, for I see you are disposed 
to trifle, and I will therefore leave you in a state of sus- 
pense till all is prepared.” 

I said no more, and Alfred, placing the box on the win- 
dow-sill, arose, and stretched across the room a large 
square piece of cotton, which having done, he closed the 
shutters of the window, leaving open a square door therein 
near the bottom, and having fixed all to his liking, he 
opened the mahogany box, and with the utmost care drew 
forth a brazen instrument, so much resembling a solar mi- 
croscope, that I instantly exclaimed : 

“ A solar microscope — have never seen one tried, and 
its exhibition will be quite acceptable.” 

“ You mistake, my friend,” replied Alfred. “ Although 
this, in the strictest sense of the word, is a solar micro- 


THE FROST IMPS. 


141 


scope, yet the effect is quite different, for while the former 
absolutely requires the most powerful rays of the sun, this 
does not, and where that magnifies one hundred times, this 
magnifies one million.” 

“ Indeed !” exclaimed I, “ there is then quite a difference 
between the two.” 

“You see this little instrument; well, you would be 
perfectly surprised were I to make mention of all the 
different glasses and the different pieces of mechanism in- 
side. It has cost me a lifetime of study, and I hope by 
exhibiting it to make my fortune. The vexation attend- 
ing its manufacture is incredible, for there are pieces of 
workmanship within this narrow tube upon which, if you 
were strongly to breathe, would be totally destroyed ; you 
may therefore imagine what a trial I have had. Time 
after time have I been so unfortunate as to spoil the work 
of weeks, and it was only yesterday evening I succeeded 
in getting all finished, and it is now ready for use. There ! 
what do you think of that 

During this speech my friend had been placing his ap- 
paratus in order, and now pointed to me the effect oh the 
strained sheet. The sun did not shine on the window, 
and yet upon the sheet was a circular space of light, cov- 
ering nearly the whole of it, and it struck me as wonder- 
ful how, at such a short distance from the instrument, there 
could be thrown so large a circle, which was not simply 
lighter than the rest, but so bright, that at first it was to 
my eyes absolutely dazzling. 

“ How is that produced ?” asked I. 

“ By the mechanism within the instrument.” 

I looked at him in surprise. Could it be possible that a 
ray by no means brilliant, should, by passing through a 


142 


BUBBLES OF FICTION. 


brass tube be made to possess such power of light ? But 
where was the use in doubting the fact ; the thing was be- 
fore my eyes ; I could do no more than express again my 
astonishment, and look on with all attention. 

“Now,” said Alfred, “I will show you one or two 
specimens, to exhibit the wonderful power of my instru- 
ment. First of all I will reduce that power so as to suit 
articles of a large size ; there,” added he, after having per- 
formed something in the way of turning screws, which I 
could not distinctly see, owing to the darkness in which 
every thing was placed, “ I will show you a very common 
article, and a specimen that is generally used ; there is 
a needle, hold it within the rays of light proceeding from 
the tube and examine it ; you acknowledge the point is 
quite fine 1” 

“Ido; as fine as I should suppose a needle could be made.” 

He placed it in its proper position, and there was delin- 
eated on the cotton a most curious object ; but as it has 
been generally described, there will be no use in my doing 
likewise. I expressed my great satisfaction in viewing it, 
when the exhibitor commenced slightly turning a screw ; 
instantly the representation of the needle point increased 
in size, and at last covered the whole circle of light on the 
cotton. 

“So I might go on,” he- said, “ increasing the size, if the 
sheet permitted ; now, if you please, I will return to it the 
original power, and we will examine specimens of a much 
smaller size.” 

“With pleasure,” answered I; “really I did not expect 
so agreeable a treat.” 

Alfred left the room for a moment, and then returning 
had in his hand a small quantity of snow. 


THE FROST IMPS. 


143 


“ I will,” said he, “put a flake on my glass, and then we 
shall see the eflect.” ' 

He did so, and as the extreme coldness of the room pre- 
vented it from at once melting, we had a fine opportunity 
of viewing all its beauties, and tfuly they were many, and 
likewise were they great. The flake was transferred upon 
the cotton, but presented such a really beautiful appear- 
ance that the eye would hardly ever tire in beholding it. 
There were innumerable spars thrusting themselves up- 
wards, glistening with an extremely bright luster, and cav- 
erns, and lakes, etc., all being comprised in a single flake 
of snow, greatly magnified, however, as may be supposed, 
which to the naked eye appeared in no wise to merit obser- 
vation. Soon, however, the warmth of the article on 
which it was placed caused it to melt, and then was per- 
ceived on the cotton the effect. You could see taking 
place the gradual thaw, here and there. The spars and 
pinnacles toppled, and falling, cast a cloud of snow. Then 
you could distinguish the gradual formation of a torrent; 
the stream rushing onwards carrying all before it, and at 
last grow furious, leaping, and splashing, and dashing in its 
course to the end of the circle of light, and then being lost 
in darkness ; and I saw the vast collection of ice- work of 
which that simple snow-flake consisted gradually sink, till 
at last there was a great fall, and the whole slid swiftly 
from my view. ' 

“Now the flake has slid off the glass,” said Alfred, 
laughing. 

“ By Jove !” cried I, “ that goes far ahead of any thing 
I have yet heard or seen.” 

“ Nothing, nothing at all,” said he ; “I have a sight now 
that will be greatly its superior.” 


144 


BUBBLES OF FICTION. 


“ You are joking.” 

“ I am in earnest ; there is not a joke about it.” 

“ How do you know then the effect, seeing this is the 
first time you have tried your instrument 1” 

He then briefly told nae how, years and years ago, a 
manuscript had fallen into his hands, in which was a very 
full account how to make an “ enchaunted tuhej’^ in which 
“ divers wonderfuUe sightes mighte he heholdemie,’’^ and many 
other experiments that were truly astonishing ; telling also 
how the Froste Imppes might be seen. 

I interrupted him here. 

“ Tell me,” said I, “ what you mean by Frost Imps.” 

“ I will show them to you presently,” was his answer ; 
and then he continued his narrative, stating how he had 
commenced trying to make an enchanted tube, as it was 
called, and after ten years’ labor had at last accomplished 
his undertaking. 

“ You deserve praise, at any rate, for your perseverance,” 
said I, “and now for the Frost Imps.” 

He slid in a slip of glass, and breathing upon it fitted 
his instrument as before. There was then a scene exhibited 
that went far ahead of any thing yet beheld. The surface 
of the glass became, in a second of time, veiled, as if with 
a sheet of gauze, pure and resplendent, on which appeared 
indistinct forms, as if floating. I looked on with astonish- 
ment. The forms grew more and more distinct, till at last 
they were fully distinguished, and they were the most deli- 
cate conceivable, and all created with the utmost skill, be- 
ing perfect in every respect. And they were in the form 
of cherubs, white as the virgin snow, with wings upon their 
shoulders, by agitating which they were supported over the 
substance I have likened unto gauze. 


THE FROST IMPS, 


145 


“The Frost Imps?” said I. 

“ Precisely,” returned Alfred, who appeared as wonder- 
ing as myself ; “ but look !” 

And then I perceived that each bore in its hand an ob- 
ject resembling a painting brush, which they quickly used 
in tracing upon the cold surface of the glass magnificent 
figures, like unto fir and cedar trees ; and you might also 
there behold likenesses unto castles, and giants, and dwarfs, 
and mountains, and in fact, all that is fantastically beautiful. 

“Jack Frost’s workmen !” said Alfred. 

“ So I perceive ; and your instrument is so powerful as 
to represent them !” 

“I believe it is. You now see it is they, with their 
quick work and skill, that manage to form the beautiful 
figures you often behold on the window-glass, on a frosty 
morning. Look ! how quick they dash their brushes 
about ! how nimble !” 

“ It is so,” answered I, gazing upon the imps, who verily 
appeared as if formed of frost work ; “ and now, whenever 
I see the imagery on the windows, I will know, as you say, 
how it is caused.” 

Their work was quickly carried on, as Alfred remarked, 
and it would have continued much longer, had not an un- 
foreseen accident occurred, which was this : In attempting 
to adjust the powers of the instrument, so that the figures 
might yet be greater magnified, he accidently struck the 
tube, and caused it to fall with a crash on the floor. 

The light poured in through the hole in the shutters; 
the cotton was hanging there as formerly; and Alfred 
gazed, with clenched hands, set teeth, and staling eyes, at 
the wreck, for the pigmy unknown, the industrious Frost 
Imps, had been lost to view for ever. 

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ZENO AND XARA. 

I. 

BEFORE. 

Zeno and Xara walked arm in arm down the walk of a 
lovely garden. It is not often that one beholds gardens of 
such rare excellence, for in it was every thing that the 
heart of man could desire. There were gravel walks, 
so nicely rolled that not even one stone did seem out 
of its place, and the grass was finely trimmed, and the 
flowers were also in full bloom, and the air was filled with 
their grateful odor, while many butterflies and bees were 
buzzing and winging their flight from one bush to another, 
to gather the sweets from the bursting buds. The view in 
many places was quite agreeable ; and when the sun made 
it too hot to walk with pleasure, there were trees of great 
grandeur in abundance, and under these you might retire 
if you did not wish to seek refuge in the numerous sum- 
mer-houses, of whose light, fantastic shapes glimpses 
could be had here and there. Several fountains added 
their murmur to the rejoicings of the insect tribe, and no 
small number of statues, of the purest white marble, 
looked with cold admiration on the scene. 

Zeno and Xara walked arm in arm, and admired all 
things ; but Zeno most admired the beauty of Xara, and 


148 


BUBBLES OF FICTION. 


Xara most admired the manly beauty of Zeno. What 
curious ideas arose in their minds ! Zeno lamented that he 
was not born with Xara’s faultless form ; and she wished, 
that in place of her own weak body, she possessed the 
muscular and noble one of her companion. 

Zeno and Xara walked on together, at times addressing 
each other with some amiable word, and then feasting 
their eyes on the delicious prospect ; and they felt happy 
in each others’ company. As they passed onwards, forth 
glided across their path a beautiful green and golden- 
skinned snake, with head erect and eyes glistening like 
diamonds ; then buzzed before them in the air a humming 
bird, the sun causing its magnificent plumage to dazzle 
their eyes with its variety of vivid colors ; and then gor- 
geously-painted butterflies hovered about them — ^and on 
they went. 

I'hey came to a lovely spot, being a dark pool overhung 
by bushes and trees, and the eye could with difficulty 
peneti’ate to its farthest extremity. The dark water gave 
forth a pleasing coolness, and the numerous flowers and 
waterplants tended to make up a very pretty picture. 

Long did the lovers stand admiring this scene and view- 
ing the dark water, which seemed to be intensely cold, and 
in which now and then a fish was seen to glide. Of a sud- 
den, there stood in the cup of a beautiful water-lily, that 
hung over the pool, the figure of a female, of extreme 
smallness, who was dressed in light robes and wore a 
crown of light, and carried in her hand a wand of great 
brightness; she spake, and the burden of her speech was 
this : 

“ Xara, you desired to become a man, and lamented that 
the Creator had not in the beginning made you such ; what 


ZENO AND XARA. 


149 


you wish even so shall it be granted ; you shall leave the 
form of woman and take that of a man.” 

Zeno gazed with astonishment upon Xara when he heard 
that was her wish, and the poor maiden cast down her eyes 
to the ground, while the blush of shame mantled her 
cheeks : but the fairy continued her speech. 

“ Zeno, you felt unhappy that you were not created in 
the lovely form of woman, and it was your anxious desire 
to become a female ; bear then the form of one.” 

The fairy sank into the alabaster cup of the water-lily, 
while the two youths gazed at each other in confusion. 
Their wishes had been granted, and they were now to take 
the consequences. Zeno, as he contemplated the lovely 
girl, was surprised to see her hair crisp and change in color, 
and her features harden into the more harsh features of 
man, and the bloom forsake her cheeks ; and he noticed her 
voluptuous breast sink and disappear, and her limbs, that 
were not hid by the flowing garments, strengthen and lose 
their roundness. 

“ Zeno, I am changed,” spake she ; but Zeno noticed that 
the soft musical voice had given place to one of boldness 
and loudness. 

Xara had become a man, and she saw with no less sur- 
prise her lover change into a woman. She beheld his face 
soften, and the rosy tints of beauty lighting up his cheeks, 
and his eyes become more brilliant, and his form change, 
and his bosom rise, and his waist grow narrower and sup- 
ple, while his clothes were not sufficiently long to hide the 
bottom of a well-formed leg and enticing foot and ankle. 
Zeno felt his hair resting upon his shoulders, and placing 
his hand to his face, found it deprived of its hairy orna- 
ments, while he beheld not the cheeks and chin of his fair 


150 


BUBBLES OF FICTION. 


companion, for they were hidden by the curling beard. 
And Zeno said he also was changed ; but he was startled 
when he heard how effeminate liis voice had become. 


11 . 

AFTER. 

W HEN the first emotions accompanying their transform- 
ation were past, and when time had flown by, there arose 
in the young people feelings of dissatisfaction, for they 
found their forms completely unsuited to their character. 
Zeno was constantly desiring to follow the chase, and amuse 
himself with military exploits, and yet found all forbidden 
him, by his being a woman ; he desired to bend the bow as 
formerly, but found his finely-modelled arm was unable to 
draw the arrow to its head ; in fact he was a man in his 
heart, though under the outward resemblance of a woman. 
As for Xara it fared the same with her, for she was de- 
lighted with the craft of embroidery, and needlework, and 
spinning, and such like accomplishments, and yet her 
manly exterior forbade them, while the chase and warlike 
exploits were to her objects of indifference. The appear- 
ance of a man concealed, in reality, a woman. 

The lovers — though transformed, were lovers still, though 
it was now the woman that courted the man — were not 
pleased with the wish that had been so unexpectedly grati- 
fied, and most ardently desired to be returned to their 
former shapes, but no such good luck attended them, and 
they were -forced to abide under those forms given them ; 
but the charm was broken by the Goddess of Pity, who 


ZENO AND XARA. 


151 


happening to behold their griefs, changed them into two 
stately trees, and now they grow and intermingle their 
branches. 

Poor Zeno ! 

Poor Xara ! 

Now let me tell the moral of this piece — do you mean 
to say there is none 1 


m. 

' THE MORAL. 

Ye men and ye women, stay in your own sphere ; seek 
not to occupy that of others ; leave to the women their 
own occupations and to the men their occupations ; meddle , 
not with each others’ affairs ; and above all things, be con- 
tent with the form that Nature has given unto you, whether 
it should be that of a man or that of a woman, for if you 
should chance to desire to become man if you are woman, 
or woman if you are man, peradventure the same occur- 
rence will happen unto you that happened unto the luckless 
Zeno and Xara. 


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I 


THE BENDING BRANCH. 


Angels and ministers of grace defend us ! 

Be thou a spirit of health, or goblin damned, 

Bring with thee airs from Heaven, or blasts from Hell, 
Be thy intents wicked, or charitable ? — Shaksfeare. 


It is now more than a year since the occurrence I am 
about to narrate took place, and strongly has it impressed 
itself upon my memory. It was during the month of 
January, on a cold, windy, disagreeable night, that I can 
well remember with what pleasure I bended over the bril- 
liant flame that burned so cheerfully in the fireplace in 
the little parlor, in company with a friend, cracking jokes, 
singing songs, telling stories, and helping to empty a de- 
canter of sparkling rosy wine. Soon the old clock, that 
had ticked in the corner for many years, and which, had 
been in the family (so my host told me, for 1 was on a 
visit) for centuries, if not ages (!) commenced striking. I 
counted the hours, one, two, three, and so on, until it 
struck eleven. 

“ What !” exclaimed I, “ so late ! really I had not the 
least idea of it.” 

So, taking a candle that was dim and flickering, I hur- 
ried up the stairs that led unto my sleeping-room, and 
went quickly, too, for the night was what is generally 
termed bitter cold. I will pass over all the trifling details 
that followed, and simply state that, ere long, I was snug 


154 


BUBBLES OF FICTION. 


under the clothes, gazing through the window at the pale 
moon, and noticing the swiftly-driven, stormy-looking 
clouds. I felt, moreover, in very good spirits, and as I 
lay there, ran over in my mind the principal occurrences 
of the evening ; and when I recollected any joke that had 
been uttered, I burst into a peal of laughter, which sound- 
ed strangely in that large, dismal, retired room, lit only by 
my flickering candle, which, for greater security, I had 
placed in the fireplace. Yet nevertheless I heeded it not. 

I again heard the clock strike. It was the mystic hour • 
of midnight ! and as the last stroke died away upon my 
ear, I heard the door below loudly shut. 

“ What could have caused this 1” thought I. 

Ah, perhaps it was but the work of the wind ; and so 
thinking in that wise, and also that it was high time I was 
asleep, I turned on my pillow and wooed gentle slumber. 

Now comes the strange part of my narrative. As I 
was thus trying to sleep, “ tramp ! tramp !” sounded on 
the wooden staircase, which opened my eyes wide enough ; 

“ tramp ! tramp !” continued the noise. 

“ Halloa !” exclaimed I, inwardly, “ what’s that V’ 

“ Tramp ! tramp !” and the stepping was so solemn, 
so measured in its time, and so unearthly withal, that a 
slight sensation — very slight — let me state, reader, I al- 
ways am a courageous man — that a slight sensation of 
fear entered my breast. 

“ What is it '? who the devil can it be V’ 

“Tramp! tramp!” was my only answer. The steps 
sounded close to my door ; I heard the knob turn and the 
door -slowly open, when — I dove under the bedclothes ! 

I heard the door shut. 

“ Ah ! it is gone !” for although, as I have already said, 


THE BENDING BRANCH. 


155 


I am a very courageous man, yet I had not seen what 
opened it. Do not smile, most fault-finding reader, for 
you would have done the same, if you were in my situa- 
tion ; that is, if you had seen the object that met my 
astonished eyes when I drew forth my head from beneath 
the sheet, thinking it had gone ; yes, I am strongly inelined 
to think you would. , 

There stood in front of my bed a man apparently about 
seven or eight feet in height, as lean as a lamp-post, dress- 
ed entirely in red ; red coat, red pants, shoes, face, hair, 
cap, and feather, all of a vivid red ; never did I see such a 
sight before, and never wish to again. But his eyes ! I 
had nearly forgotten to mention them ; they both looked 
different w'ays ; one out of the right comer of the lid, the 
other out of the left ; and such eyes ! they appeared of a 
still more brilliant scarlet than his coat. He stood as up- 
right as if (to use a common expression) he had swallowed 
' a ramrod, and then, raising his arm, beckoned to me. 

Now, it is to this day my firm belief, that the wine I 
had taken that night must have had an effect, for although, 
as I have said, I am a courageous man, still it is surprising 
how I did muster enough to speak to him in the w’ay I did. 

“ What do you want 1” exclaimed I, in a bold tone of 
voice ; “ who are you 

He beckoned again. ^ 

“What the deuce do you want?” I asked, in a still 
more bold manner. 

The third time he beckoned. 

“ Do you want me to get out of bed ?” 

The strange person bowed his head. 

“ Do you want me to go with you ?” 

His head bowed once more. - - 


156 


BUBBLES OF FICTION. 


“Well,” 1 replied, “just wait a moment, and in less 
than no time I will be ready,” 

And so I was. The door opened of its own accord, and 
he commenced descending the stairs. I lingered at the 
door, which he perceived (how, I could not tell, for his 
back was towards me), and turned slowly as if he had 
been a statue, and bringing the focus of his eyes to bear 
upon me, exclaimed, in a deep, solemn, sepulchral voice. 
Come !” 

1 followed him without saying a word. 

He went down step by step with the same dull, heavy, 
measured tramp that I had before heard (it was surprising 
none of the family heard it), till he came to the front 
door, which, like the one up-stairs, opened of itself, and 
when we were out, slammed with a tremendous force and 
noise. 

“ Am I awake, asleep, alive, dead, in this world, or in 
the next ?” I asked myself, for notwithstanding my being 
a very courageous man, still I did not wish to get the 
anger of the walking red man in front by repeating the 
words aloud, as I rubbed my eyes and gazed upon him. 

“ Who the dev — . Stop ! May it not be his satanic 
majesty '? Never thought of that ; think there was a sul- 
phurous smell when he was in my room. Yes, yes, it 
must be ; it cannot be other than him.” 

And so, after a short walk, we came to the river, where 
was a small boat, painted also of a bright red. He mo- 
tioned me to get in ; so I sat down in the middle, while 
he taking hold of the helm, we glided onwards without 
either sail or oars, to my astonishment, and increasing in 
speed, skimmed swiftly the surface of the river. 

Soon v,’e emerged from the peaceful stream into the 


THE BENDING BRANCH. 157 

turbulent ocean, and as we dashed onwards the land sank 
beneath the distant horizon, and on all sides nothing was 
to be distinguished but sky and* water ; at one time we 
were tossed high upon the angry waves, and at another 
sunk deep between them ; and it seemed as if the billows 
would overwhelm us with their fury, and dash in pieces 
our fragile bark. Never shall I forget, as long as my life 
endures, the horrors of that night. As we continued ad- 
vancing, I felt the air grow more warm and pleasant. 
Dark, leaden-colored clouds swiftly arose, and they cover- 
ed the vault of heaven, and out of them dashed vivid 
streaks of lightning dazzling the eye, and terrific thunder 
accompanying. Mine was a horrible situation ; alone, 
without friends or companions, save the mysterious being 
dressed in red (who, seated in the stern, turned neither to 
the right nor left, but kept a solemn silence), in the midst 
of the tumultuous ocean, with thunderings around me, and 
my only ark a light little skiff, which by an unknown 
cause advanced without any visible means. 

The storm passed, and all was tranquil. 

A light streak ran along the edge of the sky, meeting 
the water, and as I gazed upon it, faint rays shot up to- 
wards the zenith, and soon the monarch of the day arose 
in all his splendor, illuminating the vast expanse of water 
around us, and cresting their waves -wfith flashing silver. 
Before us I distinguished a faint line of blue color, which 
I supposed was land ; but what land ? Where were we ? 
In what part of the world ? For what purpose was I un- 
dertaking this perilous voyage These were questions I 
was unable to answer. We neared the land, which bore 
the resemblance of an island, and I saw nothing but craggy 
rocks of brownish hue, with here and there a few stunted 


158 


BUBBLES OF FICTION. 


trees, looking like pines* and firs, growing where sufficient 
earth could be found to nourish them. Dreariness was 
upon all. • 

Our boat lessened its speed, and gliding upon the 
stony beach left us high and dry. I sprang out ; my con- 
ductor, also following my example, led the way to a crevice 
in the dark rock, which he entered, motioning me to come 
after. As I am a curiosity-loving, as well as a courageous 
man, I obeyed his motion, and entered a sort of grotto or 
chamber, at one end of which hung a curtain of black vel- 
vet. 

“Where am 1 1” I enquired of my silent conductor. 

“ In the Chamber of Death,” he replied solemnly. 

“ What do you mean 1 explain yourself.” 

“ Be courageous and I will.” 

“ I am always so.” 

“ Sufficient ; notice ; be still.” 

“ Proceed for I am ready.” 

Solemn music now rose faintly on my ear, and the deep 
swelling notes, as of an organ, filled the grotto. It grew 
louder and increased in sweetness. I was entranced with 
the melody, and forgot the place, the occasion, and the 
company in which I was ; I thought of nothing, and heard 
nothing but those sweet strains, and while I listened a ray 
of dim light was discovered behind the curtain of black 
velvet, and slowly it raised itself — but oh Heavens ! I 
started with fear, and a shivering passed through my veins ! 
What a sight mine eyes beheld ! In vain did I withdraw 
them from contemplating it, but as the serpent with his 
sparkling eyes fascinates the trembling bird, so did this 
object fascinate me. 

It was a picture. 


THE BENDING BRANCH. 


159 


This painting represented a female both young and di- 
vinely formed, who vainly struggled to free herself from 
the arms of a skeleton, who as he grasped her voluptuous 
form, pressed his fleshless, eyeless skull on her soft cheek, 
now blanched with terror. She was in an agony of horror. 
It also represented an apartnent at night, the light burning 
through a crimson shade, diflusing a faint tint of that color, 
standing on the richly carved mantel, and the female a 
short distance from it, while in the foreground and setting 
off the back group, lay a man whose countenance gave to- 
ken of his being dead. It was painted in the most life-like 
manner ; and I imagined uselessly, what it could mean and 
why it was here exhibited. 

“ What means this that I see ?” I asked. 

He placed his finger on his lips. 

I was silent. 

The mysterious picture on which my gaze was riveted, 
now seemed to grow larger, and as it thus expanded the 
music died away gently. The figures thereon painted 
increased in size, but such was the effect, that as I looked 
upon it, it appeared as if I were glancing into a room, the 
frame being the boundary of the scene. The representa- 
tion enlarged so that it occupied the whole end of the grot- 
to, and the forms became the size of life, and all the furni- 
ture in the room, composed of burnished gold, was as if in 
reality ; and the door swung half open, to which the phan- 
tom was dragging his victim, when to my increased aston- 
ishment they received life, and as the spectre with powerful 
grasp receded towards the door, the woman writhing in his 
horrible embrace, frantically clutched first this article, then 
that, the better to stay her progress, while the most shrill 
and heart-rending shrieks filled the place. 


160 


BUBBLES OF FICTION. 


“ Gracious powers !” I exclaimed, clasping my hands to 
my ears, “ what sights ! what sounds !” 

The shrieking stopped — the picture returned to its former 
dimensions — the black curtain fell, hiding it from view — 
and I was alone with my silent guide. 

He broke the silence by thus speaking — 

“ I have brought you here to see that picture.” 

“ For what purpose'?” 

“ There is a moral shown in that picture.” 

“ There may be for aught I know.” 

“ There is.” 

“ Tell it me.” 

“ Seat yourself then, for I have not long to stay.” 

I did as he requested, and he con^menced. 

“ You saw the woman "?” 

“I did.” 

“ You saw in whose gripe she was *?” 

“Yes.” 

“ That being was once her husband ; you saw the man 
lying in front 

“ Yes ; he appeared as if dead.” 

“ He was, that man was her second husband ; she, to- 
together with him (he being in love with her), poisoned her 
husband, and then they married.” 

“ And the scene before us 

“ Represented the end of their wicked union. I could 
give you an account that would make the very hair of your 
head rise with horror ; I could tell you how she carried on 
her secret wicked enterprise ; how an extraordinary event 
occurred as they stood before the minister at the altar ; and 
how her first husband, rising from the grave, punished her 
as she deserved.” 


THE BENDING BRANCH. 


161 


“ Why do you not 1” 

“ Because my time is come, I had not expected it was so 
late, and must away ; shortly I will return.” 

“ What time I” 

“ I am called.” 

“ Who calls you ?” 

“Listen!” 

“ I hear nothing,” said I, after having done as he wished. 

“ Hark ! the knell !” 

And as he spoke I heard a faint stroke as if of a bell — 
far, far off, yet becoming louder and still louder. The man 
in red folded his arms, and standing straight and motion- 
less, the ground opened and he sank from my sight. Mean- 
while the echoes of the stroke I heard, vibrated through the 
grotto and died away — a faint dizziness overspread my 
eyes — I fell motionless to the ground, and when I again re- 
covered found I was lying on the sand of the sea shore, the 
mighty waves dashing their briny spray over me, the rising 
sun shedding his glorious light above me, and alone, for the 
red boat had disappeared. 

I arose, and tried to discover the opening through which 
we entered the chamber in which I had seen the picture, 
but could not ; I examined the rocks attentively but could 
find no aperture of any kind. “ Surely,” cried I, “ I am. 
laboring under a dream ; but I am awake — where am 1 1 
what is the land on which I stand 1” I was enclosed on 
one side by the flashing ocean, while perpendicular rocks 
and jutting crags formed the two other, making a sort of 
semi-circle. At last seeing that either I must stay where I 
was and most likely starve to death, or clamber the sides 
of the rock, I came to the resolution of doing the latter, 
and after some time, and with considerable labor, accom- 


162 


BUBBLES OF FICTION. 


plished my undertaking ; but with hands sadly blistered, 
and a tired, exhausted frame. 

I raised my eyes, and were the number of years I am to 
live immense, never would the recollection of the enchant- 
ing prospect pass from my memory ; it realized my idea 
of fairy land, and my heart throbbed quick with delight as 
I regarded what words can hardly describe, and what ought 
to be seen to be appreciated. 

I stood upon a sort of promontory, the surface of which 
was composed of stony soil, covered with furze, and here 
and there a green plant and a wide-branched bush ; it grad- 
ually sloped to the level of the island, and was carpeted 
with green grass, profusely sprinkled with crimson flowers 
of great beauty. As I stood upon the highest ground, I 
noticed the blue waters entirely surrounding the island, 
which was, I judged, about nine miles in circumfer- 
ence. Below lay spread out, in all its beauty, a magnifi- 
cent plain, abounding in graceful trees, and one or two 
small sheets of water, which could hardly be called lakes. 
Clusters of trees surrounded, while beyond lay the hills 
wrapped in magical tints, bounding the picture, and the 
whole under a sky of* the finest azure, dashed here and 
there with feathery clouds, and a glorious sun pouring 
down his golden rays; but when I had descended and 
walked along the plain, I saw beauties of which before 
I had no conception; such superb flowers, impregnating 
the air with their delicious fragrance ! groves and rustic 
bowers, together with sparkling brooks and cool grottoes ; 
all appeared as if it was some fiiiry home, and I expected 
at eveiy instant to see light and graceful forms floating 
through the perfumed air, or behold them dancing on the 
velvet-like grass. 


THE BENDING BRANCH. 


163 


The whole day was spent in wandering about this 
enchanted island, at times resting my tired limbs beside 
the purling brook, and ascending some height to view the 
delightful scenery, which changed at every point ; appeas- 
ing my hunger with the delicious fruit hanging in tempting 
display from the trees, and my thirst by the cool fluid of 
the numerous waterfalls, whose silvery voices were distin- 
guished issuing from the lovely groves, uniting in harmony 
with the songs of the birds, and whose gushing, sparkling 
waters fell on rocks rendered green by plants and moss. 
Every thing was bathed in loveliness. 

The day declined. 

The sun set beyond the waves in inexpressible splendor, 
and the different magnificent hues in which the clouds were 
thrown, defy description. As night was shrouding the 
earth with her sable garment, I sought for a place of rest, 
and resolved to take my habitation in a high tree, up 
which I therefore clambered. 

The night passed, but before the sun had risen, I was 
startled by hearing beneath me a hissing noise, and on 
casting my eye in that direction, what was my horror on 
perceiving an immense snake, glaring at me with its brilliant 
black eyes ! I felt afraid, although I had been a courage- 
ous man, and held tightly to the branch, fearing I might fall 
into its power ; but my senses nearly forsook me as this 
serpent commenced winding his superbly-colored body 
around the trunk of the tree, and slowly rise. I saw his 
jaws, loaded with the deadly venom, open, and beheld his 
forked tongue dart in and out with the rapidity of light- 
ning ; and the sight thereof made me tremble. Still 
higher did he raise his swollen head, till it rested on the 
branch I sat, his neck curving gracefully ; and he neared 


164 


BUBBLES OF FICTION. 


me, with his eyes still glaring at mine. Summoning 
my fleeting courage, I retreated to the end of the branch, 
which bent with my weight, and caused the reptile for 
an instant to stop. Seeing in what position matters now 
stood, I let myself down, still supported by my hands, 
and commenced raising and depressing it, for the purpose 
of stopping his progress, and to get an opportunity of 
escaping. I was ready for the spring, when on looking 
down, to measure the distance, my eyes encountered those 
of an open-mouthed, monstrous lion. There he crouched, 
calmly awaiting my descent, to make me his prey ; and 
there I hung, on The Bending Branchy in agony. The 
branch bent quite low, my courage had entirely gone — 
I confess it — I gave a shriek, and loosening my grasp, fell 
to the ground, crushing beneath me the fragile plants, 
when the lion, with an awful roar, bounded forwards, and — 
I awoke, finding myself lying on the floor of the apart- 
ment, having fallen from my bed during my sleep, I 
heard the clock below strike, but could hardly believe it 
was right ; I glanced at my watch, and then to my surprise 
found it was precisely twelve 1 


ZELL. 


Her tresses loose behind, 

Play on her neck and wanton in the wind. 

The rising blushes which her cheeks o’erspread 
Are opening roses, in the lily’s bed.— Gay’s Dioiu. 

I. 

THE MAIDEN 

The sun was setting in his incomparable majesty, while 
high upon a mountain side sat a youth calmly regarding 
the magnificent spectacle. He was in appearance hand- 
some ; and by the crook he held, an observer would come 
to the conclusion that he was a shepherd, and not far from 
the truth would he be either ; and, moreover, he would be 
convinced in his idea, were his glance to be extended ; for at 
a short distance lay peaceably many sheep, and numerous 
lambs gambolled about, whose fleeces vied in whiteness 
with the summit of the snow-clad mountain, on whose side 
they frisked. Green was the dress of this youth, and his 
wide-brimmed straw hat was encircled by a ribbon of the 
same color ; light hair fell on his shoulders, and the glow 
of health was on his cheeks. What a fine subject was there 
for the artist ! He might throw with much effect those 
heavy masses of dark and pointed rocks in the foreground ; 
in the center place the lambs, and the green grass, with 
the youth reclining on the moss-covered stone, together 


166 


BUBBLES OF FICTION. 


with the little stream, sparkling as it meandered ; and in 
the background he might represent the whitened moun- 
tains, like pile of clouds on clouds of dazzling hue ; and 
last of all, he might cast over all these subjects the magi- 
cal effects of the setting sun. 

Zell — ^the name of the youth — ^was, as we have already 
said, handsome ; is it not, then, probable that he should 
cause in the breasts of the country lasses a feeling stronger 
than that of mere admiration ? To tell the truth, he held 
captive the hearts of more than half the fair ones in the 
neighborhood; but still he had not given his away; in 
fact, he paid no attention whatever to all their advances, 
but acted as if perfectly unaware of the sensation he crea- 
ted. Now, perhaps this might seem strange, but here is 
the reason — he loved, nay adored, even to distraction, a 
fair girl whom he had never seen, except in his di’eams (for 
Zell was a dreamer), in which he had beheld a pretty dam- 
sel, and fell sadly in love, but when he awoke, discovered 
to his sorrow that she was the mere creation of his brain. 
Still he fondly hoped some day his vision would prove 
true — that it would be changed to a reality. The neigh- 
bors thought every thing was not right with Zell ; that he 
was foolish — somewhat insane ; but we will leave all this, 
and return to him, as he still remains seated on the rock. 

Well, the sun went down, and beautiful were the tints 
in which he had steeped the surrounding clouds, when 
Zell heaved a sigh. He arose, and at a distance beheld 
an object, causing the blood to diffuse itself in a crimson 
glow over his face ; he started, also, as one would do on 
seeing an unexpected sight. What could it have been that 
caused his emotion? What? Now that shall be my 
pleasure to tell you, gentle reader; harken, I pray you. 


ZELL. 


167 


From behind a projecting crag he beheld a female advance, 
but as he often saw his neighbors’ daughters, and none 
being remarkable for their beauty, he at first, supposing it 
to be one of them, paid no attention ; but then he thought 
this fair maiden did not look like those, greatly appearing 
like the girl of his dream ; she also came from behind a 
rock, wore the same description of dress, the short skirt, 
long boddice, waving hair, straw hat with floating pink rib- 
bons, all were the same. Could this be in reality that 
phantom 1 The more he looked, the more he felt sure it 
was, and on her nearer approach, he noticed that she bore 
the most precise resemblance. 

“ Good stranger,” said she, in a most musical voice, 
“ could you give me direction where I might obtain food 
and rest, for I am both hungry and weary 

“ Would you confide in me ?” answered Zell, with down- 
cast eyes and cheeks rivalling in redness those of the dam- 
sel. “ I possess a cottage near by where you might rest, 
and if good white bread and goats’ milk would suit you, 
they are at your disposal.” 

“ Nothing could be better,” replied she, with the same 
sweet tones. 

“Have you travelled far to-day?” asked Zell, gazing 
upon her with admiration. 

“ I have.” 

“ Indeed ! and on foot ?” 

“Yes — on foot.” 

“ How strange. Will you not, sweet stranger, give me 
the reason for thus undertaking the journey ?” 

“I will tell you my history when I get to your cottage.” 

“ Very well.” 

“ Is it far distant ?” 


168 


BUBBLES OF FICTION. 


“ Oh no ! it is quite near, and a short walk will bring us 
there.” 

Then Zell whistled to the dog, and the dog gathered to- 
gether the flock, and then they all wended their homeward 
way. First slowly walked the sheep, with the lambs frisk- 
ing, and the dog running hither and thither, and loudly 
barking, then came the lovely maiden, resting her hand for 
support on Zell’s shoulder, who had his eyes ri vetted on 
her beautiful features. Soon the cottage was reached, and 
having seen his flock safe in their fold, he rejoined the fair 
stranger, who was resting outside on a stone seat, bringing 
with him an earthen vessel filled with the warm milk of 
the goats ; and having brought forth a loaf of bread, placed 
it beside her. She removed her hat, permitting the breeze 
slowly to wave her luxuriant hair, and Zell thought she 
was far more beautiful than the maiden of his dream. 

“ By what name, my guest, may you be called 1” he 
asked. 

“ My name is Lucillia.” 

“ Then, most beautiful Lucillia, give me, according to 
your promise, a history of your life ; if not the whole of it, 
at least as much as is necessary to explain your appear- 
ance here.” 

“ My life,” replied she, breaking off a piece of the loaf 
and trying its merits, “ is nearly void of interest, but as 
you have expressed a wish to hear it, I caimot refuse 
you.” 

Then she told him, that she was the daughter of a shep- 
herd, who lived many many miles distant, and that having 
taken, when young, a great taste for that species of occu- 
pation, had, when older, become a shepherdess. A youth 
saw her, and fell deeply in love, and his passion was re- 


ZELL. 


169 


turned, and all would have proceeded quite well, had it not 
been that her father was prejudiced against the young man, 
and forbade the marriage ; but what could not be obtained 
by one way the lovers determined to obtain by another, 
and after stolen interviews, one night came to the conclu- 
sion of eloping, and also determined that the occurrence 
should take place the very next morning. The time came, 
and the lovers were at the designated place, when the father 
discovered the affair and determined to put an end to it ; 
but they felt inclined to oppose his purpose, and off they 
went. The steeds were soon swift advancing towards 
the next village, where resided the person who was to 
perform the ceremony. On they went, jmd on too 
came the angry parent, riding a swift- footed animal. 
Their horses were driven to the utmost, and they con- 
gratulated themselves that all would be successful, when 
as they whipped on their beasts, the father discharged 
a firearm, bringing her lover’s horse to the ground, 
and thereby, as a matter of course, impeding his pro- 
gress ; but she, in the place of stopping, gave full rein 
to her steed, hoping to escape, and very well knowing that 
if she could do so, there was hardly a doubt but that she 
would ere long be rejoined by her fallen friend. She did 
escape — the horse of her father also meeting so severe an 
accident that he was disabled from proceeding — and after a 
hard ride, arrived more dead than alive at the village, in 
which she knew not a single person. She there learned 
that the person to whose house she was going, had shortly 
before moved to the next hamlet, to which she directed her 
horse, who was so tired that soon afterwards he fell ex- 
hausted, and she was obliged to journey on foot. Having 
walked for many hours, and moreover perceiving Zell, as 

8 


170 


BUBBLES OF FICTION. 


he .was viewing the setting sun, she determined to ask him 
for help ; and thus ended her history. 

Lucillia having finished her narrative, silence ensued. 
Zell thought the story probable enough, but some things 
rather perplexed him ; for if she had undergone the ride, 
and the adventures spoken of as having occurred that 
morning, was it not likely her countenance would still bear 
some marks of excitement ? But no summer morn was 
ever more serene. If she had walked so far, her clothes 
would have been dusty ; if she were a shepherdess, her 
hands and her face would be somewhat browned ; but fiir 
otherwise was every thing. Her dress w'as as clean as 
possible, her face and her hands -were remarkable for their 
whiteness ; and moreover, if she w^ere so exceedingly hun- 
gry, her present conduct contradicted her words, for spar- 
ingly partook she of the humble repast. 

We now skip onwards. 

Zell and Lucillia became man and wife. 


II. 

STRANGE CONDUCT. 

If before, the neighbors thought Zell’s conduct strange, 
how much more were they surprised now ; for at present 
he was seen to walk as if accompanied, and to speak aloud, 
and bow as if to some person, and yet no person was vis- 
ible ; his unheeded flock wandered at pleasure, and all the 
shepherd’s time was spent in walking about, and holding 
conversations with some imaginary person. 


ZELL. 


in 


ni. 

THE MIDNIGHT SCENE. , 

Time elapsed, and the cold autumnal evenings came. 
It was night, and the moon showed how fast the skud was 
roaring forest told how furiously the wind 
was rushing through their leafless branches. Cold was the 
night, and the door shook in its casement, and the windows 
rattled, and the windr whistled with a roaring sound through 
the cracks and the keyholes, when Zell heard his wife arise, 
and by the feeble light of a pine-knot gleaming in the fire- 
place, saw that she was already dressed; a shawl was 
thrown over her head and drawn around her form, and she 
held in her arms her yet young child. She opened the 
door, and shuddered as the gust swept over her ; yet sum- 
moning courage, passed out. 

“For what cause,” murmured Zell, “can she thus leave 
the house, and during such a time ? The very idea of the 
wind and the cold is enough to freeze one’s blood, and why 
should she take the child 

So he arose, dressed, and followed with such haste, that 
he caught a glimpse of her waving dress in the distance. 
On he hastened, and Avas soon treading in her very steps, 
but yet not so near as to be discerned, for that was not 
what he wished ; but he was very desirous to learn the 
cause of her departure. From one path she went to an- 
^ other, and at last descended rather a rocky way, till, arriv- 
ing at a ravine, she stopped in one corner. 

Zell crouched behind a crag, so as to be a witness, should 
any scene occur. Lucillia drew forth a tinder-box, and 
with much trouble succeeded in setting fire to a pile of 


172 


BUBBLES OF FICTION. 


dried leaves and sticks which she had hastily collected. 
Throwing some substance upon them, and uttering some 
words, they instantly flared up in a vivid flame, and as in- 
stantaneously the air was filled with bowlings and terrific 
screamings. At first Zell wondered whence they came, 
but his astonishment was increased when he beheld imps 
of eveiy form imaginable, who were merry, or sorrowful, 
or angry, or horrible, intermixed with witches, demons, 
and devils, who were crouched or seated on the backs of 
loathsome toads, spiders, and other reptiles, swollen to a 
gigantic size — they all formed an immense crescent before 
the enchantress. Silence .was upon every thing. 

The fire now commenced dying, when suddenly a sound, 
resembling the stroke given a mighty gong by the arm of 
a giant, broke the temporary quietness. The motley 
group gave one long, shrill scream, and the fire also blazed 
brightly, and then died. Again the same scene occurred, 
and so on till the crashing noise was heard twelve times. 

It was midnight. 

Eucillia now applied a pinch of a certain powder on the 
red embers, and a purple flame cast a hue of the same color 
on the myriads of grotesque features, and then kneeling, 
cried thrice upon the name of Satan, each time being cho- 
russed by the company. The earth in the center of the 
crescent became troubled, and broke, as if under the influ- 
ence of an earthquake ; divers flames jetted forth with a 
whistling noise ; strong sulphurous fumes abounded, and 
in the midst of all arose a dragon with bright green scales, 
out of whose mouth rolled flames of living fire, and on 
whose back sat a being terrible to behold — a fiend, with a 
scepter of adamant, and fearful eyes. Tremendous were 
the cries with which he was greeted, and still more did 


ZELL. 


173 


they increase in loudness when Lucillia advanced, and 
kneeling, presented the being with the child ; but, before 
he could take it, Zell sprang forth, and shrieked rather than 
spoke : 

“ Lucillia, stop in the name of God !” at the mention 
of which sacred name the fiend vanished, and the ground 
opening, swallowed the dragon, its rider, the child, and 
Lucillia, who, with outspread arms, called upon her hus- 
band. 

Zell was astounded at the sight, and rushing like one 
that is mad to his home, was about to end his days, when 
he beheld a sheet of paper lying on the floor. Picking it 
up, he found it was written by his lost one, and read as 
follows : 

“ Zell — Zell, pity me ; pardon me. I am drawn on by 
Pate. In vain do I try to swerve from my destiny, but 
alas ! it is impossible. Fearing that evil may grow out 
of the ceremony 1 am about to perform, I write these 
lines that you may become aware of my misfortunes, and 
pity me for them. Zell, know that I am Lenora, yOur 
neighbor’s daughter. Start not, I beseech you. I was 
not possessed of beauty, but I loved you, aye, adored you, 
but knew not how to become your wife, Avhich was my 
most ardent wish, for I knew too well that you would 
espouse none but those that were blessed with the gift I 
had not, so I began to despair. One afternoon, when I 
was wandering on my way, an aged man on a sudden 
stood before me. His eyes were frightfully piercing. 
Without any prelude he said, ‘ You wish to become the 
wife of Zell.’ I acknowleged I did. ‘ Then what would 
you give me, if I should bring that event to pass?’ ‘In 
what manner?’ ‘By endowing you with great beauty.’ 


174 


BUBBLES OF FICTION. 


‘I will give you all I have.’ ‘Will you give me your 
first-born child f In the excitement of the moment 1 
agreed to the awful contract. The rest you know.” 


5 


IV. 


DEATH. 

Zell, the next day, did not make his appearance, nei- 
ther did he the next, or the next, which excited the curios- 
ity of the neighbors ; they feared something was wrong, 
and went to his habitation, and found the poor youth lying 
dead upon the floor, grasping a blank piece of paper. 


OPIUM. 


1 . 


BLISS. 

Often had I read of the drug opium, but the first time I 
ever perused an account of the effects produced on the 
human system by its use, was during a dark, rainy, dismal 
day. At such a time one does not feel disposed to leave 
the walls of his house, but, if one be within his reach, ob- 
tains a book, and settles himself for a long rest. With this 
view I entered the library of my uncle and sought among 
his well-filled shelves for something to occupy my leisure 
hours ; there were books enough, it is true, to have satisfied 
a regiment of readers, and the selection was thus made 
more difficult ; but while listlessly running over the names 
on the backs, I read one which attracted especial notice. 
It treated of opium. It showed its efiects upon the human 
system. I was soon buried in the deep recess of the win- 
dow, far gone in the perusal of the uncommonly well writ- 
ten book, and to tell the truth, I now longed anxiously to 
try the drug and see whether upon myself it would have 
the effects described in the volume. I thought, however, 
long upon the dangers attending its use ; how a person’s 
constitution would be greatly impaired, his nervous system 
considerably shattered, and how, after a first trial, it was so 
difficult to give up its frequent use, and at last, how a per- 


1Y6 


BUBBLES OF FICTION. 


son would meet a premature old age and grave ; but I cared 
not much for these reasonings, my wish was to try the ex- 
periment, which I firmly resolved should not be repeated j 
so I bought the opium, and that night, when at the tea-ta- 
ble, managed, unperceived by the rest of the family, to 
slip the drug, which I had separated into as fine particles as 
possible that it might the sooner dissolve, into my cup, 
stirred it up well, and then drank it off quickly ; a grain or 
two remained in the bottom, which I removed with my fin- 
ger. 

The deed had been accomplished and all to be feared was 
the result. I had read that the effects were quick when 
taken in small doses, and nearly instantaneous when taken 
in larger quantities ; mine w^as neither large nor small, but 
quite enough for one who had never before seen the article ; 
if the effects were swift in following, it would not answer to 
let the family see my conduct when under its power, there- 
fore I pleaded indisposition and retired to my room, leaving 
them to understand I should not again make my appearance 
that evening. 

My apartment was situated in a distant part of the build- 
ing, and as I ascended the staircases leading thereto, I felt 
enlivened and merry. I cannot well describe the sensa- 
tion, but it was of a kind I never before experienced, and I 
knew my dose was taking effect ; so I shaded my flickering 
candle with my hand and rushed along, for I would not on 
any account be left in the dark, considering my present 
state, and I was also anxious to be safe within my room 
before totally under the power of the drug. In accordance 
with my quickness of speed, the inexpressible sensation in- 
creased, and I entered my chamber, placed the light upon 
the mantel, locked and laid aside the key of the door, that 


OPIUM. 


177 


I might not be tempted to rush forth in the delirium which 
I had good reason to suppose would follow, and sat upon 
my bed in a perfectly enchanting state of mind. 

I felt a thrill of delight stealing through my veins : my 
heart bounded quickly as though it would break forth ; my 
eyes I have no doubt shone with great lustre — for I was 
fearful to consult the glass — and altogether I felt in a bliss- 
ful mood. I grasped at the air in my delirium, and laughed 
merrily, acting as one bereft of reason. My eyes then be- 
came fastened on the flame of my candle ; I knew not how 
it was that I could not withdraw them, as I tried unsuccess- 
fully, but they received not the least dazzle, for the light 
appeared as though far distant — now, indeed, the opium 
began to work. 

The flame of the candle increased tenfold in splendor and 
in size, and there appeared numbers of them, myriads upon 
myriads of sparkling jets of light, and crystal drops shone 
magnificently, and golden chains appeared upon and around 
about the same, while the whole chandelier mounted on 
high, being suspended from the ceiling of the room, which 
also expanded to a great extent. I shut my eyes for an 
instant, as one would do when an object is beheld which he 
imagines is not real, and expecting, when he reopens them, 
the object would have disappeared. Thus it was with me ; 
when I saw the chandelier mounting, and the room increas- 
ing in size, I closed my eyes for an instant, so that when 
they were reopened, I might see whether the thing did in 
reality exist, but when I did open them, I started back in 
amazement, for — 

I saw before me an immense circular hall with a dome, 
from which hung in all its brilliancy the already noticed 
chandelier, with its flaming jets and. sparkling crystals. 

8 * 


178 


BUBBLES OE FICTION. 


The dome was in color azure, studded with innumerable 
golden stars, that received fresh lustre from the flood of 
light beneath ; pillars of beautiful workmanship supported 
it, glistening with the hues of the rainbow, the capitals ex- 
ceeding in execution and brilliancy of coloring any thing I 
had yet seen. Between these columns, from the snowy 
marble floor to the dome, were plates of looking-glass, 
presenting innumerable reflections of the ravishing scene. 

In the forepart of this place appeared a throne surmounted 
by a canopy inexpressibly magnificent ; the art of man 
could never produce its equal, for it seemed radiant with 
precious metals, and precious stones were in profusion ; 
it being one glitter of gold and silver, and rubies and eme- 
ralds, while showers of sparkling light, here and there, led 
me to suppose they proceeded from innumerable clusters 
of diamonds. On either side of this throne rested pedes- 
tals of rare beauty, and on them stood specimens of female 
loveliness — living beings dressed in robes of sheen, each 
holding in an uplifted hand the end of a thick string of 
roses, which ascended to the top of the canopy. The ex- 
quisite fragrance of flowers spread over the apartment, and 
I was bewildered with viewing these enchanting things. 

The throne was vacant. 

Suddenly distant strains of music were heard, which 
came nearer and increased in sweetness ; then sprang forth 
on either side of the throne a number of females, with dia- 
monds encircling their waists and confining their soft 
dresses, who commenced a most beautiful dance, joining 
their voices in charming melody. Advancing towards me, 
they formed a vast ring, and briskly moved around and 
around, till I was perfectly giddy in viewing so much 
beauty. Disengaging, they laded me with the flowers they 


OPIUM. 


179 


bore, and some, seizing me by the hands, led me towards 
the throne, while the rest strewed flowers in my path. I 
ascended the steps and sat upon the gorgeous seat, and 
then the females with one accord kneeled before me, and 
those on the pedestals slowly waved the strings of flowers — 
the air was impregnated with the fragrance, and as the mu- 
sic gushed in rich melody, they joined in the cry of Hail 
to our King !” 


FEAR. 

A CLAP of thunder followed ; there was a crash as if 
millions of gongs were struck at the same time; the 
columns tottered and fell with tremendous noise ; the chan- 
delier w'^hirled fearfully through the air and sank on the 
pavement ; the ladies were changed to demons and fled 
howling, and the music gave place to cries as if of the 
damned. 


III. 

AGONY 

I WAS in the centre of space. I could for a moment see 
nothing, for darkness was upon all ; but by degrees I no- 
ticed my situation, as if in the interior of an exceedingly 
spacious globe — in the centre of void — alone. A deadly 
fear seized hold upon me, I grew giddy ; I trembled 
throughout my frame, and commenced slowly ascending to 


180 


BUBBLES OF FICTION. 


a great height, and then as slowly descended. This was 
repeated many times, each flight being quicker than the 
one preceding, till at last I shot up and down with the 
swiftness of an arrow, and shrieking in agony, insensibility 
followed. 


IV. 

REPENTANCE. 

I WAS lying on the floor of my chamber, oppressed with 
a most violent headache, and my body racked with pains. 
The room was lightened, the candle had expired in the 
socket, but thi’ough the windows poured the beams of the 
morning sun. That experiment cured me entirely, for 
from that time I have never touched the drug, and always 
recollect with horror my vision (the joy of the forepart of 
which was forgotten in the terrors of the last) when I was 
so foolish as to become an opium eater. 


MY LAST WALTZ. 


I ALWAYS have been passionately fond of the dance. 
From early boyhood I have delighted in seeing persons 
pass through the mazes of the giddy waltz, and have also 
as much delighted in passing through them myself. I am 
an advocate for amusements of that description, and think 
that those who cry them down are entirely in the wrong. 
We have Bible testimony as to the propriety of dancing, 
and if one wishes for better authority than that, he will 
search long before he meets it. Yes, dancing is an inno- 
cent and healthy amusement. Mind, things are often car- 
ried into excess ; too often. I am not speaking of this 
amusement in that wise ; but I mean, considering it to be 
performed with moderation. Dance, dance, dance, say I ; 
all the better for it ; it will shake off your drowsiness ; it 
will make your blood chase from and return to your heart 
with redoubled life and quickness. Yes, dance by all means, 
but if possible with the prettiest woman you can find'; not 
girls ; I eschew girls, when the more old of the “ porcelain 
.of society,” as Dry den has it, can be obtained. If you find 
it impossible to find a pretty one, take an ugly woman ; 
if you cannot get any of the fair sex, why — then dance by 
yourself. 

I admire dancing — am fond of dancing — speak of it with 
pleasure — think of it with delight — and practice it where- 
ever I can get a chance. I am not particular whether the 


182 


BUBBLES OF F^CTlOI^. 


music is super-excellent, or not, as long as they keep in 
time and tune, and am at times heedless whether my part- 
ner is so handsome as to make the rocks dance with joy at 
beholding her, so long as she has animation in her. I am 
also somewhat of a traveller, too — been from the arctic to 
the antarctic circle, in both hemispheres, and have under- 
gone perils innumerable, both by land and by sea, simply 
to satisfy my passion for dancing, for 1 delight in moving 
in the different national dances with the people of different 
nations. I have danced every sort of movement, from 
the fandango of the Spaniard to the Virginia break-down 
with the negroes in the South ; every thing — every thing 
have I tried ; and let me tell you, I have so much delight 
in these my wanderings and dancings, that were I to write 
an account of them, and express to the reader all my ad- 
ventures, he would set them down as the creations of the 
brain, and myself as a scribbler — a seribbler whose w^ord 
could not be relied upon. 

But I have done with w^altzing. No more will I face a 
partner and with my arm encircling her waist, will dash 
off and whirl around to the sound of music. No ; I have 
done with waltzing. That was the flivorite of all my pas- 
times. O, what pleasure there is in it ! Tell me of the 
waltzer who says there is not. The subject of my present 
sketch will be an account of the event that transpired, 

which caused me to abandon that recreation. I feel sure 

m fact, I am sure — that the reader will not believe it. I 
cannot help that, however. It is incredible, I will agree — 
vastly astonishing ; but how runs the proverb relating to 
truth ? is it not to the effect, that it is as strange, if not 
stranger than fiction ? This is the case with my narrative ; 
it is stranger than fiction. Though bordering on the mar- 


MY LAST WALTZ* 


183 


vellous, I will take good heed, while penning it, that njy 
pen does not wander from the straight path of truth ; but 
a truce to this preluding. 

I was a stranger in the city ; I had only arrived in the 
morning ; and being notified that a ball would take place 
that evening, had determined to go ; and so taking from 
my trunk my full dress, accoutred myself, and at the 
right hour started from my hotel, for the building in which 
was to take place the merry-making. On my route, I fell 
in with an old friend, who passing his arm within mine, 
walked me off to his room, as he said owing to the long 
time that had elapsed since he had seen me, he wished to 
have a little talk, and then he w'ould whiff a few Ha- 
vanas, and break a bottle-neck?^ for my accommodation. 
It was in vain I told him I would pay him a visit the next 
evening, and stay as long as he wished, smoke up all his 
Havanas, and break all the bottles he could produce, but 
that at present I had an engagement that it was almost 
impossible for me to break, and that I must attend ; he 
would not take a negative answer, but firing off a dozen 
bon-mots in succession, quite overpowered me by his flash 
of speech, and yielding, I was carried to his room, where 
we indeed had a right jolly time ; but I was extremely 
careful not to crack too many bottles, for I intended, after 
my visit, to go to the ball, no matter what might be the 
time ; I had that morning purchased the ticket, and not 
caring to lose my money, also did not greatly desire to lose 
the pleasure of mingling in the quadrille and the delicious 
waltz, the dances I am most partial to, as I think I have be- 
fore observed. My friend amused me in his usual man- 
ner, his stock of anecdotes appeared inexhaustible, and his 
tales were in number many. W e had passed a right joy- 


184 


BUBBLES OF FICTION. 


ous time, and it was within a moment of midnight, 
when I took my departure for the ball-room. When I 
arrived, all was life and animation, the musicians were 
discoursing excellent melody, and there were plenty of 
couples already engaged on the floor. I looked around to 
see if there was any one present with whom I was ac- 
quainted, and who could introduce me to a partner, for the 
next set. I made the tour of the room, and returned 
to my starting place unsuccessful. The Master of Cere- 
monies, I noticed, was engaged in one of the sets, he 
having performed his duty of providing partners, and 
therefore 1 was left to search one myself. ^ I had, during 
my ramble, discovered one solitary female, who appeared 
like Patience, when on the tombstone, smiling at Grief ; 
and though I passionately loved the dance, yet I almost 
determined to forego the pleasure, rather than ask her, for 
she was not only plain, but, in good English, she was ex- 
tremely ugly. I do not admire ugly ladies. 

The quadrille had by this time ceased, and therefore I was 
very anxious to see the Master of Ceremonies, for him to se- 
lect for me a partner ; but though I used my greatest agility 
in transporting myself to that portion of the room in which I 
had seen him engaged in dancing, yet I had not arrived as 
soon as some others, and I found him already engaged in 
making introductions, etc. Good fortune at last favored 
me, and I had the pleasure of speaking to the all-important 
person, when he told me that unfortunately I was late, for 
he had provided for every lady in the room that wished to 
dance, and he must beg me to possess myself with patience 
till the next commenced. I was angry and disappointed. 

I went away in somewhat of a pet, and again my eyes fell 
upon the ugly woman I have before mentioned, who was 


MY 'LAST WALTZ. 


185 


gazing over the gay company assembled, with anxiety and 
some despair ; it seems no one had yet invited her, and she 
imagined, so I suspected, that her chances for sitting there 
the whole evening were greater than those of leaving. As 
she beheld me approaching her eyes lightened, and her lips 
took the form as if expressing the affirmative monosyllable, 
but as I struck off in a tangent, a side glance made me 
aware of the melancholy picture her features presented. 
And again I made the circuit of the room and did not see 
one female that I thought was not engaged. It appeared 
to me precisely as if every one came provided with a partner. 
I never saw a more even number of the sexes, and every one 
was laughing and chatting with her companion, so I saw no 
hope of my figuring in that set. I never swear ; but if I 
was at all inclined to that pernicious and absurd habit, I 
have no doubt the lamps and candles would have burned 
blue and gone out. I was really and truly angry and dis- 
appointed. I had come for the express purpose of dancing, 
and saw no possibility of my doing so. On went the co- 
tillion. I am a man of strong passions, and my vexation 
was so strong that could I have obtained drink of like qual- 
ity, I would have got drunk. In time the quadrille ceased, 

• and I praised the Lord. On my programme I noticed that 
the next in succession would be a waltz. By Geogre ! cried I 
to myself, I wdll waltz if I have to do so with the hourie whom 
I have more than once noticed. Do not let me have the trou- 
ble of repeating again my vexations attending my search for 
a partner, my unsuccessful search ; really there never did 
exist a more unfortunate person than myself ; the company 
was complete, with the single exception of one too many, 
and that one was myself^ — every one had a partner save 
myself — I was an odd one — no pun, upon my soul, reader — 


186 


BUBBLES OF FICTION. 


but hold ! what am I thinking about, how can I say the 
company would be complete without myself, for where 
was the enchantingly, lovely, superb, magnificent, deucedly 
ugly woman I have before mentioned. Heaven be praised 
for the skill shown in making her ugly ; ye gods ! was 
there ever any thing more ugly. No ! no ! there could not 
be; it would be an utter impossibility for the mind of 
man to conceive her superior in that respect. Ugly in 
form, ugly in feature, and ugly I expected in movement. 
I am one who believes that whatever occurs is by the Su- 
preijie Being foreordained. Now I firmly believe that this 
enemy to beauty was ordained to be my partner in the 
waltz which, as has been seen, was to be the next in succes- 
sion. I could not help it ; I would have been more pleased 
had she been rather more good-looking ; but I must re- 
sign myself to my fate. I was determined to dance with 
her ; I felt no fears whatever of a refusal, for I knew she 
was in the same case as myself, and would be but too hap- 
py to have me for a partner. I flatter myself on my good 
looks and my skill in dress ; I felt sure that I could bring 
her “ squintefego” eyes — that word is from Dryden, do 
not suppose that I manufactured it for the occasion — to 
bear upon me in pleasure ; and besides, I wished to let my 
figure be seen, for I know precisely the case with women' 
in general, and I felt certain that my lovely (!) partner 
would bring me into notice, and afterwards I would have 
some chance of selecting one more interesting. 

I M^ent as straight as an arrow flies, to the “ fair one with 
golden”-hued frock with scarlet sash, short skirt, low neck 
and no'sleeves — and — but there was not the slightest use 
in my receiving the aid of a master of ceremonies, as I 
could introduce myself— but then I did not even sec the 


MY LAST WALTZ. 


18T 


necessity of that ; as long as she could dance she would not 
stand about the name of her partner, and I imagine would 
not care whether he had one or not; and so that I could 
“ trip the light fantastic toe” I cared as much ; we would 
be both satisfied. The lady, when her eyes encountered my 
worthy self again proceeding towards her, opened her 
mouth, intending, I supposed, to smile, but Heaven save 
the sight — what a smile she gave me ! — there was one ben- 
efit resulting from it however, I was satisfied on one point 
that I had my doubts of ; her teeth were as even and as 
pearly-hued as was the rest of her person, moulded in beau- 
ty’s form — she was the neplus ultra of ugly women. I stood 
before her, made a bow, and received a salutation of the 
head, and as if in modesty, she cast down her eyes, and her 
long wiry yellowish hair fell over her face, simply permit- 
ting a hooked roseate-tinted nose to be seen. I again flat- 
tered myself on the choice — but it was no choice I had 
made. 

“ Madame,” said I. 

“ Miss, if you please, sir,” was my reply. 

“ — hem !” said I. 

I’ll take my — affirmation that the Miss sighed. I dodged 
the bolt, which flew straight towards a young lady standuig 
ten feet off, who thinking it came from her beau, sighed in 
return, and I beheld the impudent fellow who was beside 
her and heard the sound, tenderly press her hand, which 
brought colors to the young lady’s cheek, so that it rivaled 
the dahlia in redness. 

“ Miss,” said I. 

“ Sir,” said she again. 

“ Engaged V' 

She blushed. 


188 


BUBBLES OF FICTION. 


“ — for the waltz 
The blush departed. 

“ No, sir.” 

“ Be my partner 
“Yes, sir.” 

“ I am ready.” 

In an instant she was upon her feet. That was what I 
call doing business as it ought to be done ; no standing 
about introductions, etc. but just toe the mark, ask the young 
lady, and if she reply in the affirmative or negative all 
very well. 

The waltzing commenced. Away bounded one — two — 
five — ten couples. There was a very large circle made in 
which they performed, while those not engaged pressed 
around looking on. I made my way with my adorable to 
the edge of the enchanted circle, and at a sign away we 
went. For a moment there was, with the exception of the 
music, a dead silence, and then a titter arose. I did not 
change in color nor did I waver in my movements ; I whirled 
around just as freely as I could, and looking to see whether 
my partner enjoyed the “ applause,^’ noticed that she seemed 
to care as much about it as myself. For myself I expected 
the laughter, and being prepared for it did not pay to it 
any attention. I found a great deal to laugh at in my 
partner, her long and bony arms were partially hidden by 
a very thin gauze, and her frock was so short as to exhibit 
some distance above a pair of red silk shoes, but the shape 
of her limbs was hidden by pantalettes with lace two inch- 
es wide. When she moved in the waltz it really appeared 
as if she had no knees, for her steps were short and jerking, 
and her long yellow-colored curls stood out in horizontal 
glory, while in a smile her mouth extended from ear to 


MY LAST WALTZ. 


189 


ear. The music, however, was sweet ; the gaze of all quite 
pleasing, and 1 cared not two straws whether we were 
laughed at or not. 

“ Sir !” said she, when we had made half a dozen rounds. 

“ Welir 

“ Can you go quicker?” 

I looked at her with astonishment. She had already 
commenced to pulf most lamentably, and I thought I 
would have to stop on her account ; and now to think of 
going more swift ! 

“ Certainly,” replied I. 

We had made another circuit, when still, as we were 
dashing around, she observed : 

“Sir!” 

“ Well?” 

“ Will you go more quick ?” 

“ Certainly.” 

Our speed was increased. All looked at us with amaze- 
ment ; none others were waltzing save us. I thought my 
partner did not appear so tormented with loss of breath as 
formerly ; but as for myself, I always pride myself on my 
length of waltzing; I have never yet seen the woman 
who could tire me. I felt desirous of seeing whether this 
one would conquer or yield. 

“ Sir 1” said she, for the third time. 

“ Well?” 

“Will you go more quick?” 

“ Aye, just as fast as you wish ; like lightning, if you so 
desire.” 

No sooner had I thus spoken, than she sprang forth 
with redoubled energy ; her stiffness of movement disap- 
peared, and in an instant she was changed to a woman 
whose beauty rivalled the sun in magnificence, and of 


190 


BUBBLES OF FICTION. 


whose praise no mortal tongue could do justice. The yel- 
low curls were transformed to auburn tresses, and her dress 
was changed into texture such as fairies might decorate 
themselves with, and such another being it were in vain to 
hope to see. Her soft and divinely-moulded arm was 
laid upon my shoulder, while her small fingers reposed in 
my hand ; her face was all smiles, and her breath was like 
the breezes that blow with softness over the island of lovely 
Ceylon. My arm encircled her slender waist, and our 
bodies met in tight embrace ; while around, and around, 
and around we flew with brain-exciting swiftness. All was 
surprise and admiration. The circle was increased in size, 
and we passed quickly around its borders, while the dress 
of my fair one floatingly, swept back those nearest, till we 
had most of the room, and then, as the music (deliciously 
beautiful) played yet more quickly than ever, we flew 
whirling around. 

My brain was on fire. I was tightly held. Her soft 
hair at times fell upon my shoulder. Then she spake. 

“ Let us depart,” she crie(fl 

Suddenly, the end of the room disappeared, and in its 
place appeared a long avenue, on jeither side of which 
fantastic arches sprung, joining overhead, and painted of 
the most gorgeous hues, and jewelled, so that by the lights 
of different colors that hung between each, it had a most 
novel and enchanting effect. When we passed the room, 
the walls closed, and I was lost; I knew not where I 
was, but that I was in the arms of a being to whom the 
fairest of Eve’s daughters was not equal, and we dashing 
swiftly down a most beautiful avenue, to the sound of 
celestial music, lit by gorgeous lights, and nearly over- 
powered by the fragrance of the flowers that clustered in 
abundance and rich confusion on either side. 


THE VIOLINIST OF TOLEDO. 


HOW GERONIMO ARRIVED AT THE HOUSE OF DON LEVIDONO. 

In one of the most ancient cities of Spain, Toledo, there 
might have been seen in the year 1625 a mansion built 
of stone, that had evidently seen its best days. The up- 
per part of this edifice seemed deserted, judging from the 
windows, which were never opened by day, and from 
which at night no light was seen proceeding; but the 
lower part was occupied by an old man and his still older 
' wife, living there together alone, completely retired from 
the world. 

It was during the early part of an evening, when the old 
man, dressed in a dingy brown doublet, pushed open the 
front door, and entering the room, which served as bed- 
room as w'ell as sitting and dining apartment and kitchen, 
laid on a table a small basket containing the provisions he 
had bought ; then perceiving his wife to have the air of 
one possessing news, he inquired of her what had occurred 
during the day. 

“ Shortly after you left me,” was her reply, “ a young 
man, having quite a sedate appearance, called, wishing to 
know if he could be accommodated with lodgings, and 
stating that he himself would furnish his provisions.” 

“And what did you tell himf’ asked the old man, 
thrusting his hands in his pockets, and gazing quietly 
at her. 


192 


BUBBLES OF FICTION. 


“ That he might,” replied the old lady. 

“ You did right,” answered he, shaking his pockets, for 
the purpose of hearing the money jingle, but no jingling 
being apparent, he continued, “ Did you fix upon the price 
of board ?” 

“No, for I thought you could manage that when he 
comes.” 

“ And when will that be 

“ Soon ; but here he is himself ;” and as she spake the 
door moved slowly, giving entrance to a tall, though ra- 
ther thin young man, with a melancholy aspect. 

“ What have you done, Estefana said the old man, m 
a quick whisper. 

“ What do you mean 1” answered she. 

“ Why, you have brought hither a person with the dev- 
il’s countenance.” 

And, in fact, he came near the mark in thus expressing 
his ideas relative to the young man, for the black hair of 
the guest, streaming beneath his peaked sombrero orna- 
mented with the sable plume, his eyebrows greatly arch- 
ed, his glaring eyes, and his long beard and mustaches, 
together with the suit of blaek in whieh he was clothed, 
tended to make him as much a fearful subject of contem- 
plation as he was unprepossessing in appearance. 

“ Is this Don Levidono 1” said he, addressing Estefana, 
and indicating him with his pale, thin hand. 

“ It is, senor,” replied she, dropping him a courtesy. 

“Accept, then,” he exclaimed, addressing with a low 
bow the astonished old man, “ my most hearty wishes for 
your welfare.” 

“ And to whom have I the honor of addressing myself?” 
answered he, returning the salutation. 


TH^ VIOLINIST OF TOLEDO. 193 

“ I am called Geronimo.” 

“ And so, Sefior Geronimo, I understand by my wife 
that we are to have the pleasure of your presence as a 
boarder 

“ Yes, senor, although it may be you will see but little 
of me.” 

“ How do you mean 1 Explain yourself.” 

“ I meant, se oi'j what I said, that you would see but 
little of me, for that article,” pointing to an object in the 
corner, “ will take nearly, if not all, my time.” 

“ And pray, what may that object be ?” asked Don Lc- 
vidono, who for the first time perceived a long oblong- 
shaped box resting against the wall by the door, and which 
the young man had brought with him. 

“ It is my violin,” he replied. 

“ Your violin !” exclaimed the aged couple together. 

Geronimo nodded his head. 

“And can you play on iti” 

“ Yes, I am what people term an enthusiast ; in fact, it 
is my only pleasure. From a child I have taken a great 
fancy for the instrument, and even then used to get a cou- 
ple of sticks and imitate the playing thereof.” 

“ Quite a curious idea that,” remarked Estefana. 

“Then you ought to perform, I think, pretty well on it 
by this time,” added her husband. 

“ I do not like to be vain, but I have been told my exe- 
cution is very good.” 

“Then,” said Estefana, “I suppose, since we will not 
hear your voice — ” 

“We will hear,” interrupted her husband, “ the voice of 
your violin.” 


9 


194 


BUBBLES OF FICTION. 


“ Precisely,” remarked the young man, smiling. And 
a silence followed. 

“ Estefana,” said the old cavalier, “ have you yet pre 
pared the room for Senor Geronimo 

“ I have not, but if you will accompany him up stairs, 
we can soon put it in order.” 

“Very well, lead on,” said he, taking up the iron lamp, 
and handing it to her ; “ Ave will follow.” 

“ One instant, if you please,” said the young man ; “ I 
believe you have not fastened the door.” 

“ I know that is the case, but there being no robbers 
about, I did not see the use of so doing, and, besides, there 
is nothing to steal.” 

“ You forget, senor, there is one thing,” pointing to the 
- violin case. 

“ Oh, yes, I did forget,” answered he, shrugging his 
shoulders, and winking at his wife, as the youth shot the 
bolts- of the heavy door. Having performed that opera- 
tion, he said : 

“You may, perhaps, think it strange, my good people, 
that I should take such care of my violin, but if you only 
knew how attached I am to it, no longer would it appear 
^ so. Now, if you please, I will accompany you.” 


11 . 

. HOW GERONIMO PLAYED ON HIS VIOLIN. 

Geronimo soon got established in his new home, and his 
hosts found his saying proved true, for they saw him but 
twice a day, those times being quite early in the morning, 


THE VIOLINIST OF TOLEDO. 


195 


when he went out to purchase dinner and supper, and about 
dusk in the evening, when he provided himself with his 
breakfast for the next morning. Whenever he met them, 
he did but simply nod, and hardly ever did they hear him^ 
utter a word. 

On the evening of his arrival, he asked his host how 
much the price of the board was per week, and when it 
was named, wdthout a word he drew forth from the pock- 
et of his doublet a purse, from which he paid the amount, 
stating that at the commencement of every week he would 
do likewise. 

Notwithstanding the new’-comer, the house appeared in ' 
the same condition as before, and save at night, when a 
twinkling ray of light escaped from the closed shutters of 
his room, would still have been thought uninhabited. But 
not so with the aged couple ; they were not of this opin- 
ion. They soon came to regard the house as haunted, not 
only by Geronimo, but by spirits ; for often would they 
hear, proceeding from the ever-closed room, wild strains 
of music, completely enchanting the hearer ; seraphic mel- 
ody would also rise on the stillness of the night, possess- 
ing such thrilling sweetness, that they verily believed their 
boarder was some unearthly being in human guise. No 
mortal, they thought, could draw from a simple violin such 
powerfully stirring sounds. 

The room that this extraordinary young man occupied 
had for its furniture a cot, a broken-backed chair, and a 
three-legged table, on which was wrapped up in paper his 
breakfast for the morrow. A small shelf, jutting from the 
wall, served as a stand for his music. Before this the 
yoiing violinist now stood. His ancient violin had on its 
scroll an exquisitely-carved head, fantastically grinning. 


196 


BUBBLES OF FICTION. 


He was 'dressed in precisely the same manner as when he 
made his first appearance, and was performing a most diffi- 
cult passage with the greatest ease. 

The passage continued to grow faster and more intricate. 
The arm of the violinist worked quicker and quicker; his 
eyes stared more and more ; his fingers flew' with tremen- 
. dous rapidity over the finger-board ; his violin fairly yelled 
' and screamed with anguish ; the notes of the music seemed 
to dance before his eyes; he grew pale with emotion. 
Suddenly he stopped, and stretching forth his hands, stag- 
gered back, terrified at the sight he saw ; for there, on his 
right side, in shining green scales, with flaming red eyes 
and folded arms, stood a being, who exclaimed, in an awTul 
voice, 

“ Why did you call me from the realms of agony and 
woe by that infernal violin of yours 

Geronimo answered not. 

“ Speak !” continued the being, “ do you want me 1” 

“ No !” ejaculated he, gaining courage. 

“ Why then make me come, seeing you have no wish for 
mel” , 

“ I do not want you — you may go.” 

“Then you seek to escape from your bargain. You 
agreed, if I would teach you to excel all other players, to 
be mine. I have taught you a part — I gave you your 
violin — and now you repent. Very well ! Listen ! Un- 
less some one at midnight, "when the full moon shines, shall 
\dsit you, you shall play on till the Day of Judgment !” 

Geronimo felt himself, by an irresistible influence, drawn 
in front of his music ; his arms placed themselves in posi- 
tion ; his violin fitted itself under liis chin, and his bow 
rested in readiness upon the strings. 


THE VIOLINIST OF TOLEDO. 


197 


** Commence !” cried the demon. 

And Geronimo on a sudden commenced, in spite of him- 
self, to draw his bow over the quivering cords, giving ut- 
terance to a sorrowful theme. 

“ Faster !” screamed the demon, frightfully frowning. 

And the bow danced and leaped with greater quickness 
thereon. 

“Faster!’ 

And with frantic energy and madness expressed in his 
eyes, he played, while his unearthly master beat with his 
foot the quickly increasing time. 

“Now,” shouted the demon, in a voice that rose far 
above the shrill cries of the instrument, and which was dis- 
tinctly heard by the miserable performer, “ hear my last 
command. Your light shall not burn out, your strings not 
break, your bow need neither hair nor rosin, and you shall 
not die nor stop, unless, as I have said, you have a mid- 
night visitor, till the Day of Judgment 1” 

So saying, he raised one arm on high, and sank through 
the floor, while Geronimo did not in the least stay his 
frightful performance. 


in. 

ONE HUNDRED YEARS AFTER 

One hundred years sped swiftly by. 

**«:*** 

Don Carlos was the handsomest man in all Toledo ; at 
least that was the opinion of all the beautiful ladies therein, 
and we ourselves will vouch for the justness of their opin- 
ion. As Don Carlos was therefore a handsome cahallero^ 


198 


BUBBLES OF FICTION. 


it was nearly a matter of course that he had no small num- 
ber of intrigues, and at this time, namely, in the year 
1725, .was deeply enamored of a beautiful lady, whose 
name, for certain reasons, we will not disclose. The lover, 
one moonlight night, determined to serenade the object of 
his affection. He soon arrived in front of her window, 
which, on account of the balmy night, was open, and then 
accompanied by the tinkling notes of the mandolin, sang, 
with his magnificent voice, to the best advantage. 

His song ceased, and hearing a stirring above, which he 
imagined was created by the fair one, he threw, with great 
precision, his rope ladder, the hooks of which, catching in 
the light lattice work of the balcony, formed quite a firm 
support. At this instant he beheld the gleaming of a 
sword-blade, and immediately found himself attacked by 
half a dozen men in short cloaks, who with drawn swords 
dashed Upon him. 

Although the blade of the unfortunate serenader was 
instantaneously in his hand, and though he laid about him 
with great quickness, and had the satisfaction of seeing two 
or three of his oppressors fall, still he was too sorely pressed 
to continue the fight; and, in parrying a blow from a 
gigantic fellow, his sword flew from his grasp, leaving him 
defenceless. 

Pressing his hat firmer over his brow's, he darted quickly 
away, and after running down a deserted street, escaped 
from their grasp, and sought refuge in an old antique build- 
ing, which appeared tenantless. 

With his fatigue, and with the loss of blood from the 
wounds he received, he was faint, and was about to throw 
himself on the floor, when he thought he heard music, from 
whence proceeding he knew not. 


THE VrOTTNIST OF TOLEDO. 


199 


He stopped and listen ed. 

There could be no mistake, for it sounded near by, and 
was of a wild, unearthly kind ; so he ascended a rickety 
staircase in the corner of the room, and picking his way by 
the moonlight, determined to find out if this strange music , 
was in the house. Though a little timid at thus finding 
himself at midnight in a strange place, yet he continued 
his route, and arrived at the door of a room, from which 
was heard the frightful notes of a violin. 

He knocked. 

No one came or replied, so he pushed open the door — 

When, by the rays of the moon, he saw the skeleton of 
a man playing with maddening phrensy on a violin. No 
music was visible, yet the bony arms played on. Every 
thing around was in decay, thick' with dust and corruption. 
Don Carlos screamed with horror. Suddenly the skeleton 
stopped. 

The hour of midnight sounded. 

Dashing down the instrument and trampling it to pieces, 
the skeleton advanced towards the spectator, who, shivering 
with horror as he saw the terrible violinist approaching, 
fell insensible to the floor. 

It was broad day when Don Carlos awoke, and the room 
of the old house was empty. He thought, at first, he had 
dreamed, but then he recollected an old legend which he 
had often heard: it was. that a young musician, anxious to 
excel all others, had made a compact with the Evil One, 
from which he had sought afterwards to escape ; and for 
which he had been condemned to play on until the Day of' 
Judgment, unless relieved by a stranger appearing at mid- 
night, when the moon was full. 

And Don Carlos knew he had seen the Violinist of Toledo. 


r^eo' 


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lift 


THE GAME AT DICE. 


And the night was one of those really uncomfortable 
ones that is often experienced during the months of autumn 
and winter — one of those evenings when every thing is disa- 
greeable ; when the fire that you have been so long coaxing 
to burn, still emits no cheerful blaze when the wind whis- 
tles with a dismal moaning through the keyholes, and the 
windows rattle in their casements as the gust rushes by — 
that two youths sat, facing each other, at a small round 
table covered with green baize, having in the center, a can- 
dle feebly burning in the socket of a brazen stick, amusing 
themselves with playing at dice ; and they were a hand- 
some couple, those- youths; and the bloom was upon 
their cheeks, and the sparkle in their eye, and their dress 
was of the latest fashion, and all bespoke them at least to 
be in easy circumstances; and there they sat, intently 
watching the little squares of dotted ivory, and staking 
small sums upon the throws thereof, when there occurred 
a rush of wind that shook fiercely the window, and the rain 
beat mercilessly upofi it, and the storm cried in anguish ; 
and there stood a being on one side of the two young 
players, but they saw him not, and neither did they know 
the effects of the storm, for their very souls were wrapt in 
the conteniplation of the dice, that fell merrily upon the 
green cloth ; and little piles of silver, and now and then of 


202 


BUBBLES OE FICTION* ' 


gold, passed from one side of the table to the other ; but 
the being was Time, and his long and white hair fell upon 
aged, stopping shoulders, graced with a pair of venerable 
wings, and mingled with his lengthy beard ; and his eye 
grew bright as he w'atched the players, and he hearkened 
unto the clink of the metal, and he was interested in the 
game, wishing, no doubt, to take a part, when it happened 
that the glance of the elder of the players fell upon the aged 
figure by his side, and upon the sharp, glittering scythe, 
on which he leaned; and as he looked, his brow grew 
troubled, and he could not move, but with his foot touched 
that of his companion ; and his companion saw and trem* 
bled, and asked him who and what he was, and the phan- 
tom said he was Time ; and then a most curious freak 
entered the young man’s brain, and he asked him if he 
would take his place and with them try his luck ; and he 
agreed so to do ; and they played, and Time lost; and the" 
young men played silently, and their staking was fearful, 
for they waged their lives against a long existence ; if the 
grim man should win, so many and so many of the num- 
ber of the years of their life was to be taken away, but if 
otherwise, so many and so many were to be added ; and 
they played long, and the young men won, and won, and 
won, and hailed the morning’s light with an indescribable 
joy, for that light brought unto them freedom from their 
unearthly companion at dice; and the game was at an 
end; and as long as 'the world exists, so long will these 
two young men-live, iov-^they are immortal. 


THE ELIXIR OF LIFE. 
I. 


WHAT OCCURRED IX THE STOXE ROOM OF THE TOWER. 

It was night. 

- ^ Grand and awful was the night, for the elements were at 
.war with each other ; dark clouds were piled together in 
'great grandeur; and as the vivid flashes of lightning rent 
cithern asunder, tremendous peals of thunder followed, which 
» seemed in its fury to shake the very universe, and cause the 
hearts of men to tremble and quake at the mighty artillery 
of heaven. As flash followed flash in rapid succession, an 
almost continuous light glared upon the face of the earth, 
bringing each object to view, and casting a strange, un- 
earthly hue over them. 

Situated on a rocky height, commanding on one side a 
view of a vast marsh, dotted here and there with a small, 
stunted bush, or a ghostly cedar, and intersected by a river 
which, winding its course in a serpentine manner, resembled 
a stream of polished steel, and on the other, an immense for- 
est, consisting of pine and fir-trees, stood a castle of great 
size, of great strength, and of great antiquity. At one end, 
there sprang to a considerable height a round tower, hav- 
ing a balcony encircling it near the top, from which place 
a good view could be obtained of the surrounding country ; 


204 


BUBBLES OF FICTION. 


and from one of the long, narrow, lancet-shaped windows 
below were distinguished rays of light proceeding, which, 
when the lightning did not flash, resembled those of a 
candle, while the rest of the house was wrapt in total 
darkness. 

This room, containing the light, was quite small, and 
built of rough masses of stone, on which the dust bad plen- 
tifully collected, and in the corners of which the spider had 
wove his web ; also had he spun it in gi*aceful festoons 
across the dingy ceiling. Various instruments, of curious 
form (the use to which they were intended to be placed 
would no doubt have puzzled many a man renowned for 
his wisdom) were scattered around, together with tele- 
scopes, and various articles pertaining to the science of 
chemistry. On the floor were strewed crucibles of differ- 
ent sizes, and phials of fanciful shapes, some of which were 
full, some empty ; and there were also intermixed tongs, 
pokers, shovels, manuscripts of dingy appearance and 
musty in smell, together with two human skulls; and, 
moreover, all these articles were thrown in the greatest 
confusion. 

In one corner stood a long-legged desk, formed of dark 
wood, supporting an immense manuscript book of antique 
shape and illuminated pages, the cover of which was bound 
with brazen clasps. Over it swung an iron lamp, shed- 
ding its faint rays on the ancient parchment, which was 
pored by a young man of two or three aiid twenty, en- 
veloped in long robes of black velvet, which entirely 
shrouded his figure, and wearing a cap of the same 
material upon his long, black, elf-like locks, which bor- 
dered a visage pale and haggard, and eyes of wild exr 
pression. 


THE ELIXIR OF LIFE.' 


205 


The name of this person, the hero of our tale, was 
Phazzo. 

One side of this curious chamber was occupied by a 
large blackened forge of brickwork, in which flames glared 
and flared, caused by a bellows of ponderous dimensions, 
* worked by an ill-imaged, swarthy youth, dressed in a red 
flannel shirt, and breeches of like material, who, to amuse 
himself as he thus passed his time, chanted forth the 
following lines to a dismal tune, which was in accordance 
with all around him : 


' THE CHANT. 

The moon in majesty did rise, 

Amid the night-bird’s doleful cries. 

And far o’er lovely nature threw 
Her mellow rays of golden hue. 

There issued now from castle gate 
A knight, who rode at rapid rate. 

Who, as he spurred his charger black. 

Hid at times with fear gaze back. 

Of slender form, he yet was tall. 

His limbs well made and strong withal i 
His visage was of beauty rare, 

.Though terror now was painted there. 

He was inclosed with breastplate bright, 
And grasped a sword both long and light ; 
From helmet cleft by heavy blow, 
Thick-clotted blood did slowly flow 

Now after him there quickly rode 
A fiendish monster, who bestrode 
A steed, in color black as night. 

With fiery eyes, that gleamed bright. 


206 . 


BUBBLES OF FICTION 


His mouth with foam was whitened o’er, 

His neighing sounded like a roar. 

And when his hoof did meet the ground, 

Glitt’ring sparks were seen around. 

^ After him the fell fiend flew — 

This knight’s pale visage paler grew — 

His spurs did gore his charger’s side, 

And with the blood his heel was dyed. ‘ 

The demon with great glee did yell, 

As, stumbling o’er a stone, he fell, 

Sending his rider, with a bound, - 

Over him, headlong to the ground. 

From off his horse he did alight. 

And picked up the wounded knight ; 

Then seizing hold of his steed’s mane. 

He on his back did spring again. - ^ ^ 

With increased fury then did fly 
Towards his castle, with a cry 
' So shrill and awful, it did make 

The captive’s senses him forsake. 

Ent’ring the court, the gates closed fast. 

And it is told, as years roll past, 

How lights and cries, at midnight hour. 

Are seen and heard from its high tower. 

* * * 

“Nadalt!” exclaimed Phazzo, in a lainf, melancholy 
tone of voice. 

“Wein” replied the worker of the bellows, whose 
name, it appears, was Nadalt. “ I am here.” 

“ What is the hour f’ 

“ Nigh unto twelve.” 

“ How nigh ?” ' 

“ Two or three minutes,” said the young man. 


THE ELIXIR OF LIFE. . 207 

“Two or three minutes! Jove! work brisk, blow 
strong !” 

“ I am so doing,” replied the youth. 

Phazzo commenced again searching his manuscript, 
which (be it known) was a rare treatise on magic, but was 
interrupted by Nadalt. “ Master ! here, quickly !” he ex- 
claimed. 

He went as requested, and applying a pinch of a certain 
yellow powder in the heated dish, which was placed on 
burning coals, it flared up brightly, casting a yellowish 
hue around, and emitting a fragrant perfume. Then seiz- 
ing a green phial, he poured therein the contents, awaiting 
the success of his expei-iment. 

“It burns well, Nadalt,” remarked he, gazing on the 
burning fluid. “ It burns well ; the charm works ;” and 
at this moment the clock struck twelve. 

As the sound of the last stroke melted away, Phazzo 
cast into the brazen dish a small ball of wax, pronouncing 
at the same time a certain mystical word. The pellet 
gradually dissolved, filling the apartment with a thick, 
suflbcating smoke, and when this in some measure had 
dispersed, he beheld standing, where Nadalt stood, a young 
man of commanding appearance; but Nadalt he saw no 
more. 

“ Who art thou 1” exclaimed he, bending low his knee. 
“Speak !” 

“ I am Nedin,” replied the being. 

“He for whose appearance I have worked day and 
night?” 

“ The same.” 

“ Then could you grant my desire — ^will you give me 
that for which I have labored ?” 


208 


BUBBLES or riCTlON. 


“ What is it you wish 

“ The Elixir of Life.” 

“ I can give it you, but first there are obstacles in the 
way — certain conditions j firstly, all objects on which you 
have set your affections are to be removed ; secondly, I 
am to accompany you, from the time you agree to the prop* 
osition, forever, although invisible to every other person*” 

“ As to that I am perfectly willing, but why are the ob- 
jects of my affection to be removed 

“ Such is the condition, and you cannot obtain the Elixir 
without it.” 

Phazzo mused for an instant. 

Will you agree to it 1” 

“I will.” 

“You are, then, willing to have them removed?” 

“I am,” replied he, not understanding in their proper 
sense the words of Nedin. “ I am willing.” 

“ And for me to accompany you ?” 

“Yes.” 

“ Then place your hand on my. forehead.” 

He did as he was bid, but quickly drew it back, uttering 
an exclamation of pain, for the touch was burning. 

“ Now, hold here thy head,” said Nedin. 

“ For what purpose ?” 

“ That I may mark thee.” 

“ Mark me !” he ejaculated, with surprise ; “ mark me ! 
for what reason ?” 

“ Unless that takes place you cannot have the Elixir — it 
is forbidden you.” 

“Am I, then, come to this?” said Phazzo;- “to be 
marked ! to be branded as a slave ! and by whom ? By 
the Evil One. Marked ! never !” 


THE ELIXIR OF LIFE. 


209 


“ Consider,” said Nedin. 

“ I have so done.” 

“ Then do as I request you.” 

“Never!” 

“ Are you, then, so blind to your own interest ? Are 
yeu ignorant of the favor you ask me ?” 

“ I am not.” . 

“ Are you not aware of the properties of this famous 
Elixir, for which men have toiled and labored all their 
lives?” 

“lam.” 

“ This magic fluid, that confers on the drinker of it im- 
mortality, you are on the eve of possessing ! How great, 
how enviable is your situation ! Drink of it, and you 
will never die — your fellow-men will bow to you the knee 
as they would to a god, for with it I will add the celebrated 
philosopher’s stone. Then you will be extremely rich, of 
young appearance, and free from all disease ! And all this 
you will not have, but thrust it from you ; other men would 
have passed through fire to possess it, but you — you de- 
cline the inestimable gift 1 How can you refuse it ?” 

“Your words are true,” replied the now wavering youth. 

“Will you accept the magic draught?” . . 

“ I will !” exclaimed Phazzo, “ yes, I will !” 

“ Let me pass my finger across your brow,” and as he 
bent towards him, Nedin drew it across his forehead and a 
crimson streak followed, while Phazzo groaned, and then 
he writhed beneath the intense heat thereof. 

“Phazzo,” said Nedin, when the operation was ended. 

Exclaimed he, “You know then my name?” 

« I do — from this moment the contract commences.” 

“ What contract ?” said the surprised youth. 


210 


BUBBLES OF FICTION. 


‘‘ Our contract.” 

“ I know of no contract, I promised to accept the Elixir 
on condition that the objects of my affections should be re- 
moved, and that you forever should be my companion, but 
I know of no agreement, I have signed no bond.” 

“ But I have,” significantly replied the other. “ I have ! 
have I not marked you 1 You bear my signature and are 
my property, with which I can do whatever I wish.” 

“ Till I get the Elixir, and no longer.” 

“ Afterwards also, forever !” 

“ Yours ! I belong to you 1” 

“Yes,” interrupted Nedin, “you are mine.” 

Phazzo shuddered. 

“ And also the objects of thy affections,” continued the 
being in a triumphant tone, “ also thy friends — all — they 
all belong to me.” 

“ How so ? they have entered into no agreement.” 

“ By that mark.” And he pointed to the crimson streak 
on his forehead. 

“ What will you do to them 

“ Remove them.” 

“ What ! In what manner, by what means ? Explain 
yourself.” 

“ I will ; your uncle, I believe, sleeps below, does he not 1 
descend to his room, enter and gaze on the scene before you.” 

“ Tell me, what will I see 1” 

“You will see one of the modes I have to remove the 
objects of your affections.” 

“ Gracious powers !” ejaculated he, trembling ; “ you will 
do him no hurt ?” 

“ Go and see,” simply answered Nedin, and uttering 
these words, he disappeared in an instant amidst the smoke. 


THE ELIXIR OF LIFE. 


211 


II. 

THE SCENE IN THE BED ROOM. 

Hardly had the dem'on vanished when Phazzo fell njo- 
tionless into a chair, and buried his face in his hands. It 
was now clear to him that he had sold himself, together 
with his friends, to the Evil One. But what were the in- 
tentions of the being who called himself Nedin? Did he 
intend evil towards his uncle 1 How was he to remove 
him 1 These questions perplexed him. What had become 
of Nadalt ? He could not tell — it was wrapt in mystery ! 

He mused long and deeply, and at last rising to his feet, 
determined to visit his uncle’s room, and see what would 
there occur ; so he unfastened the iron lamp, and opening 
the massive oaken door, descended the spiral stone steps, 
shading the flame of his lamp from the draught of air by 
placiflg his hand in front. 

Having arrived at the door, he opened it and entered. 
The room was magnificently furnished, lighted by candles 
of red \^ax, supported in silver branches, jutting from the 
tapestried walls ; but how great was his surprise, when he 
saw Nedin standing in the center of the apartment ! “ And 
yet,” thought he, after a moment’s consideration, “ why am 
I astonished to see him here ? Did he not bid me to come 
to see his performances? Nedin advanced towards the 
bed. 

“ Nedin !” Phazzo exclaimed quickly. 

“ I am here,” answered he, turning towards him, “ what 
do you wish ?” 


212 


BUBBLES OF FICTION. 


“ What are you going to do 

“ I have already told you.” 

“ Are you going to kill him 

“ I am about to remove him,” and he pointed to the bed, 
towards which he again moved. 

“ Nedin,” cried he, rushing towards him, “ for Heaven’s 
sake desist.” 

“ Back ! back ! remember the Elixir,” cried the demon, 
“ remember the contract !” 

“ I do remember them,” replied the other, “but I wish 
not the gift — take it — take it back — I shall save him !” 

“Not now!” cried he, with a horrid laugh, “ too late ! 
away ! back 1” 

And waving his hand, Phazzo found himself as it were 
glued to the floor. He tried to speak, but his tongue clave 
to the roof of his mouth, and he was unable so to do ! He 
could move no part Of his body, and resembled a statue, 
with body bent forward, with face white as marble, ex- 
pressive of fear and anxiety, with the left hand in the posi- 
tion of terror, and with the right bearing aloft the iron 
lamp ! 

Meanwhile the demon proceeded to the bed, and touching 
the light though rich curtains that covered it, they slowly, 
without any visible agency, moved aside, giving the mo- 
tionless young man a view of his uncle, lying there, wrapt 
in sleep, and also of the operation about to be performed. 

He essayed to close his eyes against the ensuing specta- 
cle, but he found they would not, and remained open, so he 
was forced to become a witness. 

Nedin, standing at the foot of the bed, folded his arms and 
commenced gently blowing upon the slumbering person, to 
the perplexity of Phazzo, who could not divine for what pur- 


THE ELIXIR OF LIFE. 


213 


pose he was so acting, but soon he saw a faint smoke of 
purple hue escape from his lips and hover over the sleeping 
man. 

The blowing continued, the smoke increased in quantity 
and in denseness of color, till the whole bed was filled with 
it, and still Nedin kept blowing. And Phazzo smelt a 
strange perfume, the most fragrant he had ever before ex- 
perienced. At last he perceived his uncle turn in his bed, 
and stretch out his arms, as if he were about awaking, and 
drew long breaths, as if suffocating ! His breathing grew 
louder and still louder, and he gasped for want of air, 
struggling, as if to free himself from imaginary bonds ! He 
awoke and sat upright, gazing around him, and endeavored 
to escape the pestilential air, but not succeeding, sank again 
on his pillow, and writhing and tossing about, at last was 
motionless ! 

No sooner did Nedin perceive this' than he ceased blow- 
ing, and waving his hand once or twice, the purple smoke 
dissolved away. 

“ This, your first object, is gone,” said he to the still 
motionless Phazzo, “ and you have seen in what manner. 
Was it not easy done 

The power of speech returned to him again. 

“ It was terrible ! horrible ! awful !” 

“ You will yet see more terrible things than that.” 

“ Heaven forbid !” exclaimed Phazzo, casting his eyes 
upwards. 

“Phazzo, Phazzo,” said Nedin, “what are you saying? 
You have nothing to do there, now,” continued he, gazing 
at him, and pointing upwards, “ nothing there.” 

“ Why have I not ?” 

“ Do you forget ?” and he passed his finger across his 


214 


BUBBLES OF FICTION. 


brow, “do you fprget this on your forehead? You ha^e 
nothing to do there,” continued he, pointing upwards, “ but 
you have something to do there,” and he pointed down- 
wards, as a smile, horrible to view, played over his features, 
for although his face was handsome,, yet at times the ex- 
pression it bore was fearful. 

“The next object of your affections,” continued Nedin, 
“ is to be — ” 

“ Who ?” ejaculated Phazzo, bounding forwards (his 
limbs having been loosed), “ who, who is it — not Elverina ?” 

“ The same.” 

“ What you say,” cried he, clutching him by the arm, 
“ is it true ? — speak !” 

“ What I say is true — it is she.” 

Phazzo trembled. 

“Spare her, Nedin, spare her.” 

“ Impossible ! remember the contract.” 

“ Cursed be the hour I ever touched the forge, or thought 
of that most accursed Elixir !” and the young man groaned, 
staggered back, dropped the lamp, and buried his face in 
his hands. 

“ Phazzo,” said Nedin, “ I have something to tell you ; 
she of whom you spake — ” 

“ Name her not,” replied he. 

— “ Will be removed by your hand.” 

“ By my hand ! You speak what js not true. I kill 
Elverina — never ! I die first.” 

“ Death, by my commands, from this moment shall not 
touch you.” 

“ Leave me, I beseech you ; I cannot bear your presence ; 
leave me,” and he waved him off. 

“ The contract was that I should accompany you always.” 


THE ELIXIR OF LIFE. 


215 


I know it 5 but leave me, leave me.” 

I am willing to gratify you,” and so saying, he disap- 
peared. 

As soon as alone he proceeded to the bed, and gazed on 
the face of his uncle. It was expressive of great agony, 
and the hands were tightly clenched together. He turned 
aside from viewing the melancholy spectacle, and in so 
doing his eyes fell on a sword hanging by the bedside. 
He took it down and drew it from its sheath. Suicide 
entered his thoughts ! He had sold himself to Satan, and 
was by him condemned to slay his wife, the dearest of all 
friends he ever possessed. Could this not be prevented by 
destroying him self 1 The idea caught like wildfire, and he 
determined to fall on the keen point of the glittering 
weapon he held ; so he placed the hilt on the rich carpet, 
and steadying the blade, gave one last thought of Elverina, 
and fell upon it. But the blade was supple, and bending 
beneath his weight as if it had been a willow wand, he lay 
extended on the floor ! 

Rising in his fury, he seized the sword and dashed it 
across the room, when meeting in its course a heavy piece 
of furniture, it shivered into a thousand pieces, as if it had 
been of glass ! 

“ The work of the fiend,” muttered Phazzo ; “ he told 
me death should not visit me, and his saying has so far 
proved true, but I will again try and see if I cannot suc- 
ceed,” and leaving the room, he proceeded to his chamber 
in the tower, when procuring a deadly drug (the effects of 
which he knew were instantaneous), mixed a goodly quan- 
tity in a glass with water and drank it off* ; but having 
waited a considerable time, did not feel in the least affected. 

“ Once more.” cried he, “ I’ll try the pistol,” 

10 


216 


BUBBLES OF FICTION. 


He loaded one with considerable calrnness, placing 
therein a very heavy charge, then walking to a large mir- 
ror, applied the muzzle near his right temple — pulled the 
trigger — and the ball fell harmless at his feet ! 

“Ten thousand devils !” screamed he, dashing down the 
weapon, and seizing with both hands his long hair, “ I’m 
lost ! I’m lost ! Oh my Elverina ! my Elverina !” and car- 
ried away by his grief, fell motionless on the floor, amidst 
the various articles there scattered. 


III. 

THE LADY ELVERINA. 

Morning appeared ’ere Phazzo arose from the floor, and 
gazing around in the dim light, tried to recollect where he 
was. At last he remembered the proceedings of the pre- 
ceding evening ; how he had succeeded in his operations, 
and how he had raised an evil spirit, together with the 
awful scene witnessed, and the dire intelligence the demon 
had imparted to him. “ But was this true ? Did these 
things in reality occur, or were they only the workings of 
my fevered brain ?” thought he, “ Alas ! would to Heaven 
they were but my own imaginations ! But if so, am I not 
marked ; did not the spirit leave his fiery streak on my 
forehead 1” and arising, proceeded towards the mirror, but* 
treading on something, found it to be the pistol, which 
caused him to become pale, for this was an evidence it was 
not all a dream. 

The mirror reflected his ghastly features, and then he 
perceived a crimson line running across his livid forehead. 
He felt sick and dizzy. 


THE ELIXIR OF LIFE. 


217 


Leaning against the forge for support, a step ^vas heard 
without, and the door slowly opening, there entered a fe- 
male. Phazzo sighed, for it was Elverina. 

‘‘ Thank Heaven ! dearest Phazzo,” said she, advancing 
towards him, “ thank Heaven, you are safe.” 

“ From what, Elverina, were you wishing I was safe 

“But, good gracious! why are you so pale; are you 
unwell?” 

“ A little ; only a very little.” 

“ What caused it ?” 

“ I was affected by the burning of a drug.” 

“ Oh, Phazzo ! when will you leave off your chemical 
operations ?” 

“ I have now done with them.” 

“ For ever ?” 

“ For ever.” 

“Right well pleaded am I to hear it; but, Phazzo, I 
have such bad news ?” 

“ What are they ? has any thing happened ?” 

“ There has : your uncle is dead.” 

“ Dead !” exclaimed he, with feigned surprise.” 

“Yes. And it is very curious, moreover, what has 
killed him, there being no symptoms of disease or vio- 
lence, and he looks as if alive, he rests so calm and tran- 
quil.” 

“But why did you exclaim, when entering, just now, 
that you were glad I was saved?” 

“ I had fearful dreams, the past night. Oh ! very fear- 
ful. I thought you dead. Was not that awful? But I 
will not speak of that now ; I am so pleased to see my 
fears prove false;” and she raised her beautiful face to 
his, and gazed tenderly on him. 

10 


218 


BUBBLES OF FICTION. 


“ My dear, dear Elverina,” replied he, folding her in his 
arms, and imprinting a kiss upon her rosy lips. 

“But, my Phazzo, why did you absent yourself all 
night 

“ My experiments lasted till late, and — ” 

“ 1 see a crimson line on your forehead ; what is it 1” 
interrupted she hastily. 

“A what 

“ A faint crimson streak there,” said she, touching his 
head. 

“ Oh,” answered he, consulting the mirror, “ that’s noth- 
ing. I expect it arose from my fainting ; for the drug I 
burned overpowered me, and I fell, no doubt hitting at that 
time my forehead ; but let us go to my uncle’s room.” 

“I am willing to please you, although I like not to 
see such sights.” 

“ But how found you out he was dead 

“My dream showed me the fact. 

“ What ! dreamt of him also 1” 

“Yes. It was a fearful vision, although but now I can 
indistinctly recollect it ; and so strong did it work upon 
me, that I arose quite early, and proceeding to his door, 
knocked, but received no answer. He may be asleep, 
thought I, and so returned and told my brother (whom I 
found in the library, he being a very early riser) my 
dream, begging him to go and see if it was true. He 
laughed at my girlish fears, as he called them, but at last 
went, and found him — lifeless !” 

Phazzo listened, and trembled as he listened. And as 
they entered the room, the first object his eyes fell on was 
the splintered pieces of the sword he had shivered the 
evening before. 


THE ELIXIR OF LIFE. 


219 


“Ah!” said Elverina, “I had not before seen this; who 
broke the sword ? And could not this throw some light 
on the subject?” 

But no light was thrown, and the affair remained wrapt 
in mystery. Phazzo regarded the motionless form of his 
uncle, and found all the previous marks of agony gone ; he 
appeared as if in deep slumber. Turning aside from the 
spectacle, he wept. 

His uncle was buried shortly afterwards, and melan 
choly reigned in the castle. 


IV. 


BUT A DREAM. 

Days, weeks, and months rolled slowly by, yet Phazzo 
saw not the demon Nedin. He began to think that 
all was but a dream, and that his uncle had expired from 
some sudden stroke of disease. As for the mark on his 
forehead, it still remained, as vivid in appearance as be- 
fore, but he did not mind it at all, although it was the only 
thing that reminded him of those awful words, “She of 
whom you spake wdll be removed by your hand.” 

The promise he made Elverina, of not meddling any 
more with chemistry, he strictly kept ; and although the 
room dt the top of the tow'er remained in the same state, 
it was unvisited. 

The disappearance of Nadalt caused all to wmnder 
w'hat had become of him. But by not making his ap- 
pearance for so long a period (for Phazzo could give no 
reason for his absence), no more was said on his account. 


220 


BUBBLES OF FICTION. 


V. 

SUNSET. 


It was evening. 

Three months had elapsed since the period of our fore- 
going narrative. 

The air was as clear as crystal, and the sun set with a 
magnificence rarely seen. Over the sinking monarch a 
belt of clouds, quite vast in width, extended the whole 
length of the horizon, of superb orange and purple hues, 
dashed and tipped here and there with brilliant carnation 
and golden tints ; while o’er the rest of the azure vault of 
heaven, light crimson clouds were floating by. No painter 
could transfer the scene to his canvass; for although he 
might have the colors, still he could not obtain the vivid 
light, and the effect without it would therefore be lost. 

Phazzo sat by the window of the library (which room 
was in the tower already spoken of, situated immediately 
under the chamber in which he acted the magician) regard- 
ing the superb spectacle ; and as he gazed, his eyes fell on 
a dark object, lurking beneath a small grove of pine trees, 
growing near the castle walls. “ Who can it be 1” thought 
he, catching a glimpse of a man’s habiliments. “ What 
brings him here? and why does he lurk beneath the 
trees 1” 

His eyes wandered over the castle (the tower projecting 
from it a short distance), and he beheld a female looking 
out of the window, and discovered it was his wife. 

Soon the man emerged stealthily from the pines, and 
gazing around to see if discovered, what was Phazzo’s 


THE ELIXIR OF LIFE. 221^ 

amazement to behold him raise his hand, gesticulate, then 
press his fingers to his lips, and wave an adieu ; at which 
moment Eiverina retreated from the open casement. 
Phazzo thought that was a pretty situation for him to be 
in — to see a man lurking about and making signs to his 
wife. He went to her apartment and opened the door 
hastily, and shutting it, advanced towards her, as she was 
reading by the window. Glancing from the ^book, to see 
who was the intruder, she arose, and exclaimed, “ Why, 
dear Phazzo, why so agitated”? has any thing annoyed 
you 

“ Curse your fondness !” muttered he ; and then, speak- 
ing aloud, continued, “there has. You w'ere standing by 
the window a few minutes ago ; I wish to know for what 
reason ”?” 

“ Why, Phazzo, what a curious question to ask !” 

“ It makes no difference whether it is curious or not. 1 
want an answ'er.” 

“ Why, Phazzo, what is the matter with you ?” 

“ Do you see any thing the matter with me f’' 

“You appear troubled; sit down.” 

“ No ; I will stand up, and wish an answer to my ques- 
tion, as I said once before.” 

“ And you will have it, I was looking at the sun.” 

“ Indeed ! at the sun ?” 

“ Yes ; but w^hy are you in such a disposition 1 Never 
did I see you so before,” said the surprised female. 

“ Let me tell you, you were looking at that pine tree.” 

“ Which pine tree ”?” 

“ That one,” and he went to the window, and pointed 
with his finger in the direction ; “at that one.” 

“ I might have glanced hastily at it.” 


222 


BUBBLES OF FICTION. 


“ More than that, your glance was fixed.” 

“ My eyes were fixed only on the splendid clouds that 
surrounded the sun.” 

“Not so,” angrily replied Phazzo; “it was at that 
tree.” 

“ Then you know better than I.” 

“ I saw the whole transaction, from the beginning to the 
end.” 

“ What transaction ? Pray tell me what transaction 
you beheld.” 

“ I’ll gratify your desire. I saw beneath that tree — ” 
and he stopped to see if~.any mark of agitation was visible 
on her countenance ; but perceived none. 

“ What did you see ?” said Elverina, with a serene face. 

“ I saw — what you say you saw not.” 

“ And that was *?” 

“ A man ;” and he narrowly watched her. 

“A man!” - -i 

“Yes, it was a man, and you saw him.” i 

“I saw him not, Phazzo.” • > 

“ And this man,” continued he, “ crept slowly out from 
the pine grove, silently and softly, and gazed up to your 
window ; and you saw him.” 

“ Heaven forbid !” ejaculated the maiden. 

“And you, standing by the window, gazed down upon 
him ; he raised his hand, waved an adieu, sent you an im- 
ploring glance (I wish to Heaven I had had a pistol with 
me at the time), and crept back again to the woods.” 

“ I swear, by all that is great and good,” replied she, 
greatly agitated, “ I swear, Phazzo, I saw no man.” 

“Do you think my eyes deceived me'?” 

“ They have this time.” 


THE ELIXIR OF LIFE. 


223 


“ Why contradict me 

“ Because I do not wish you to remain in error.” 

“I am in the right. Now, Elverina,” exclaimed he, 
advancing nearer, and folding his arms, “ I wish to know 
who that man is.” 

“ Phazzo, your mind wanders. I tell you I saw no liv- 
ing being, and have seen none, except yourself, the whole 
afternoon.” 

“ And I tell you, you are speaking false.” 

“ You rave ! Heavens ! you have lost your senses !” 
exclaimed she, bursting into tears ; “ never, never have I 
been treated so before — and by you, Phazzo! you who 
have loved me so. I fear my saying is true ; you are be- 
reft of reason.” 

“ Ha 1 ha ! bereft of reason ! I have rather more than 
you think. Let that man come around again, and I’ll 
shoot him as I would a dog ; and you,” he nearly yelled 
in her ear, “ Heaven alone knows what I’ll do to you.” 

“ Leave me !” cried the half-distracted woman ; “ for the 
love of that sacred place, leave me.” 

“ I will, but remember my words !” and he disappeared, 
the door slammed loudly, and Elverina, falling into a 
chair, wept long and bitterly. 


VI 

THE SERENADER 


It became night. 

As Phazzo reclined upon his couch, thinking o’er the inci- 
dents of the day, and wondering who it could be that had 
been prowling around the castle, he fell into a sort of doze. 


224 


BUBBLES OF FICTION. 


The night was deliciously balmy ; the window thrown 
wide open, permitting the pale rays of the moon to rest 
on the richly-colored carpet, and the distant croaking of the 
toad, and now and then the melancholy notes of the night 
bird, to be heard distinctly, when the soft, delicate notes, 
as if of a guitar, sounded beneath the window. He was 
nearly asleep, and thought it was but in his own imagina- 
tion. Soon, however, a song commenced — the song of 
reptiles, together with the cries of the birds, ceased, and 
all was of a deathlike silence, save the voice of the singer, 
which sounded exquisitely beautiful, in harmony with the 
accompanying instrument. 

Phazzo was entranced. 

At times the song would swell richly, then melt gently 
away, till it sounded far distant ; then again return with 
renewed sweetness. It was enchanting to the ear. 

“ But who is this thought Phazzo, as he rose from his 
couch and listened ; “ may it not be the man I saw beneath 
the pines 1” He took down a loaded pistol, and went to- 
wards the window (keeping in the shade), and glanced out, 
to see if he could distinguish the serenader. He beheld 
him leaning against a tree, with the instrument of music 
beneath his arm, and gazing upwards with an expecting 
countenance. 

Rage and jealousy were in his bosom, and stooping 
down, he l ested the barrel of the weapon on the sill, then 
taking a steady aim, pulled the trigger; but the pistol 
flashed in the pan. 

The serenader heard the slight noise, and glanced alarm- 
edly around ; perceiving no person, however, and not dis- 
tinguishing the thin smoke caused by the burnt powder, he 
continued his love-inspiring song. 


THE ELIXIR OF LIFE. 


225 


Meanwhile Phazzo, muttering sundry oaths, pricked the 
touch-hole, primed his weapon, examined the flint with the 
greatest care, and took his station once more by the win- 
dow. He aimed and fired. The ball penetrated the tree, 
immediately above the singer’s head, who, gliding into the 
dark forest, disappeared from sight. Phazzo, with a smile 
of satisfaction, closed the casement, and retired to his 
couch. 

During the afternoon of the next day, as Phazzo sat by 
the window, he perceived Elverina walking along at a 
short distance, in a musing attitude. Being desirous of 
knowing for what purpose she thus left the castle, he arose, 
buckled on his sword, took up his hat, and descended to 
the court-yard, then hastening out, was soon acting the 
spy on his wife’s movements, who was unconscious he was 
near. But what were his feelings on seeing, issuing from 
behind a noble tree a short distance in advance, the figure 
of a man, whom at first glance he knew to be the sere- 
nader of the preceding evening, and he beheld him walk 
by the side of his wife, who still acted as if unaware of his 
presence. Drawing his sword, and gliding softly behind 
the couple, he darted it up to the hilt in his body. 

He fell without a groan. 

Elverina heard some one approach, and turning, saw 
her enraged husband, and perceiving he had in his hand a 
glittering sword, gave a loud shriek, and nearly fainted. 

“ Elverina !” 

“ What do you wish she faintly replied. 

“ Here are your falsehoods brought to light.” 

“ Falsehoods !” 

“ Yes, falsehoods. Do you see the bloody corpse lying 
beside you ?” and he pointed with his sword. 

10 * 


226 


BUBBLES OF FICTION* 


“ Bloody corpse ! Good Heavens ! I see none, Phazzo !” 
she cried, gazing around with astonishment. 

“ See none ! By Jove ! you play this game no longer ! 
You have been deceiving me, and then with the body of 
your lover before your eyes face me down with your false- 
hoods.” 

“Mover !” 

“ Yes, a lover ! And as his reward was the sword, so 
shall yours be,” and he raised his weapon. 

“ Heaven ! Phazzo ! Mercy !” 

“ None !” and he was about to give the fatal thrust when 
she fell swooning to the ground. His anger was for a 
moment appeased, and he was about raising her up, when 
a curious scene passed before his eyes. The body of the 
stranger now gave signs of life — the arms opened, as also 
did the eyes; he sat upright, then arose and advanced 
towards the amazed Phazzo. 

“ Who art thou ?” cried he, placing his glittering weapon 
to the stranger’s breast. 

“Who am I? Try ’and recollect,” and his features un- 
derwent a change. 

“ Nedin !” ejaculated the astonished person, dropping 
his weapon, and staggering backwards, “ Nedin !” 

“ The same. My words, you see, have proved true.” 

“ Not yet; she is not yet dead ; she has but fainted.” 

“ Fainted ! There is not a breath of life in her ; she 
has expired, and you were the cause of it.” 

“ True ! true ! true !” despairingly cried he, “ you are 
right ! you are right !” 

“ The objects of your affections — those that are your 
true objects, are removed. I am now ready to give you 
the—” 


THE ELIXIR OF LIFE. 


'227 


Nediii,” interrupted Phazzo, “ tell me, did she not see 
you ? Did she speak the truth 

“ She did. I was at no time visible to her ; the sere- 
nade was only heard by you, and the afternoon when the 
sun set so beautifully I was not seen by her.” 

“ Then it was only your manoeuvering, that I might kill 
her 

“ You are right.” 

“ Then I have killed her without a cause I” 

“ You have. My words that she was to be removed by 
your hand have proved true, and now I am ready to give 
you the Elixir of Life.” 

“ The Elixir of Life ! I want it not. Strike me dead, 
Nedin, and I will bless you. Life now, with the remem- 
brance of her would be a curse. Oh, my Elverina ! oh, 
my Elverina !” and he groaned and wept. 

“ By partaking of the Elixir all remembrance of her will 
pass away,” quietly observed the other. 

“ I want it not, but I implore you to kill me.” 

“ You remember my former praise of the Elixir ; how it 
will immediately give a youthful appearance, and besides, 
as I have already told you, it will remove all remembrance 
of her.” 

Phazzo hesitated. 

“ Well,” cried he, “be it as you wish : give it me.” 

“ I am willing.” 

And waving his hand, the scene grew dim before his 
eyes, he sank into a stupor, and awaking, found himself 
seated in the chair, in the stone chamber of the tower, and 
Nedin standing before him. 


228 


BUBBLES OF FICTION. 

•V 


VII. 

THE EL,IXIH. 

Hah ! how came 1 here V’ cried he, starting. 

“ How came you here,” answered he, laughing ; “ permit 
me to tell you, you have not stirred from the chair you are 
now sitting in.” 

“What are you talking about'? Do you mean to say I 
have been here all the time 1” 

“Ido.” 

“You jest, surely.” 

“ I do not ; but am in earnest.” 

“ Is not my uncle dead 1” 

“ Dead ! No.” 

“ And have not 1 killed my wife 1” 

“ No. She is sleeping in her room.” 

“ Then, how has all this occurred *? I saw you kill my 
uncle by your poisonous breath.” 

“ Really that is. a curious way. But how did your wife 
dier' 

“ You played the part of a lover.” 

“And you became jealous, no doubt.” 

“ Yes ; and 1 was about to strike her with my sword, 
when she fell lifeless to the ground.” 

“ It is all simple enough ; the fact is, you have been 
asleep ; yes, asleep, and dreaming.” 

“ So you did not tell me that the objects of my affec- 
were to be removed “?” 

“ No.” 

“ I’m glad it was not reality ; but give me the Elixir.” 


THE ELIXIR OF LIFE. 


229 


“ Here it is.” 

And he produced a small curiously-shaped phial of crys- 
tal, containing a fluid resembling liquid diamonds, at the 
sa;me time saying, “ Drink this, and you will gain immor- 
tality.” 

“Jove!” exclaimed Phazzo, as he seized the phial, “I 
have now that for which I have toiled many years. Fare- 
well to disease and old age. Death ! I have cheated thee 
of a victim,” and so saying, he drew forth the stopper, and 
applied the flask to his lips. But his hand was stayed. 

“ Hold !” exclaimed Nedin, “ one moment. Come to 
the mirror, and see the effects of the draught you are about 
to take.” 

“With pleasure,” answered Phazzo. 

So they went to the glass, and Nedin caused it to ex- 
tend greatly in size, so that it took in and reflected both 
their figures. 

“ Now, my brave man,” said he, clapping him on the 
back, “ apply the phial to your lips, and quaff.” 

He drank the sparkling fluid, but it felt as it were an 
icicle he had swallowed. A chillness spread over him, freez- 
ing the blood that circulated in his veins ; his feet stiffened 
with cold, his hands grew white as marble; and as he 
gazed upon his reflection in the glass, instead of seeing 
himself grow young, his face remained as it was before, 
only of a livid hue ; and his teeth chattered together. 

“ You have deceived me, Nedin,” gasped he. 

Nedin laughed. 

“ This is not the Elixir of Life.” 

“ You are wrong there; it is the Elixir.” 

“ Then it will not confer immortality *?” 

“ It will, but not here.” 


230 


BUBBLES OF FICTION. 


“Not on earth? where then?” 

Below and he chuckled with much glee, which 
sounded horribly to the wretched Phazzo. 

“ Then I am dying ?” 

“ You are.” 

“ And the Elixir of Life ?” 

“ Is — the Draught of Death !” 

And as he gazed upon the mirror, the appearance of 
Nedin underwent a horrible change : vast wings, as those 
of the midnight bat, sprang from his naked shoulders, 
(which, together wdth his body, were of a dusky hue,) 
waving slowly to and fro; his white and delicate hands 
were turned into long, black, spider-like fingers, ending 
with sharp, hooked nails ; and his lovely countenance was 
transformed into the visage of a demon, with fiery, glaring 
eyes, having on his head a crown of polished steel, sur- 
mounted in the front by a small glittering light, resem- 
bling a tiny star ! 

“ Come !” shouted he, as he clasped his arms around the 
miserable man ; “ come !” 

“ Yet awhile,” writhing with agony. 

“ Come !” and Phazzo, sinking into the arms of the de- 
mon, felt a withering blast of hot, sulphurous breath, and 
became insensible. 


VIII. 

THE STORY ENDS. 

His eyes opened once more. 

He found himself supported in the arms of Nadalt, who 
was fanning him with his hand. 


THE ELIXIR OF LIFE. 


231 


** Nadalt,” faintly uttered he, “ where am 1 
Here, where you have been — in your room.” 

“ What, am I still here 

“You are.” 

“ Has nothing happened, to me ?” 

“ You fainted as you dropped the wax ball into the chaf- 
ing-dish ; the smell, I suppose, was too strong for you. 

“ Have I, then, been dreaming 

“ If you have, a short time you had for it — five minutes — 
that’s all.” 

“ Only five minutes ! you surprise me, Nadalt.” 

“That is all.” 

“ Then, gracious Heaven !” exclaimed he, falling on his 
knees, and joining and raising his hands, “ I thank thee for 
it.” He arose, and said unto Nadalt, “ I have done search- 
ing for the Elixir.” 

“ May I ask why 1” 

“I have beheld too much in my dream, and passed 
through too many trials, to cause me to attempt the dis- 
covery any more.” 

“ I am willing to stop, for I knew the search would be 
useless,” returned the swarthy youth, with a grim smile. 

“ Help me down stairs, Nadalt, for 1 can hardly walk.” 

He did as requested. 

Phazzo now enjoys his life much better thauAbefore. 
His uncle married soon after, and seeing that he (the 
uncle) would not be lonely without him, accompanied by 
Elverina, who was more dear to him than ever, he removed 
to a lovely region of country, where, in the company of 
his dear partner, and a numerous flock of smiling young- 
sters, with which she blessed him, he now lives, happy and 
contented, not having the most remote wish for The 
Elixir or Life. 




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THE STATUE OF MARBLE. 

I. 

THE SMOKE OF THE CIGAR. 

The occurrences we are about to relate commenced in 
the attic of a house, when an autumnal day was drawing 
to a close. The weather had been very disagreeable, being 
cold and windy ; therefore it rendered a cheerful fire ex- 
tremely gratifying. A young man was seated on a rough 
wooden bench, engaged in the occupation of a sculptor. 
Before him was a block of marble, which, by dint of ham- 
mer and chisel, he was essaying to assume the representa- 
tion of a human form, although no sign of it was yet 
perceptible, while beside him stood the plaster-cast of a 
nearly naked female, the size of life, and of great beauty. 
It was a statue of a heathen goddess. 

The room was without any ornament, and the dismal 
prospect obtained from the two windows was made up by 
a more pleasing one (taking the sort of weather into con- 
sideration) of a stove, the lower part of which, still bear- 
ing a reddish appearance, emitted a gentle heat. The floor 
of the apartment was covered with instruments, chips of 
marble, bits of plaster, and plenty of rubbish of all sorts. 

The young man seemed to be an enthusiast, for his 
whole mind was bent upon his work ; and although the 
day began rapidly to decline, and twilight was fast ap- 
proaching, still the blows of the hammer fell as quickly as 


234 


BUBBLES OF FICTION. 


before, and still the small chips of pure white marble fell 
among their fellows on the floor. His eyes at last began to 
fail, and laying down his tools, he stripped himself of his 
coarse white overalls, displaying a well-formed, neatly- 
dressed figure. Opening the small door, he descended the 
stairs, and arriving at the parlor, entered therein. 

This room was rather large and handsome. The ma- 
hogany folding-doors were shut, that opened into the front 
one. A largee square table, covered with a yellow- 
fringed blue cloth, with tassels of the same material, stood 
in the center. On the Egyptian marble mantel, supported 
by two finely-carved pillars, were three figures of clay, un- 
der glass cases, but so finely moulded that they w'ould bear 
the closest '“crutiny, and were made in Spain, representing 
people of ^hat lovely country. The one in the center, 
which was the largest, was a horse-breaker, seated on a 
steed remarkable for his beauty. He was habited in his 
holiday dress, of gaudy colors, and decorated wdth no small 
quantity of ornaments. On the right was a lady, or 
senora, on her way to the cathedral, with the short frock, 
peculiar to them, showing the well-formed foot and neatly- 
laced shoe, and with the beautiful mantilla thrown lightly 
over her head. On the left, the contrabandista, or smug- 
gler, likewise clothed in his holiday habiliments, rested 
gracefully upon his long gun. Paintings of a landscape 
and a skating scene hung on the wall, one on each side of 
the mantel, the works of a Dutch artist. Two jars, con- 
taining flowers of shells, executed by the nuns of'Grenada, 
rested on a pier-table, while rich crimson curtains hid the 
windows from view. We have now finished describing 
this apartment : the reason for being' so minute, the reader 
will see anon. 


THE STATUE OF MARBLE. 


235 


The young man who bore the name of Blesston, first rang 
the bell, then fitted a candle in a candlestick; lit the candle, 
placed it on the table, near which he drew up a large, well- 
stufied, leather-lined rocking chair (into which he threw 
himself, resting his feet on a small cushion), and placed by 
his side a spittoon. At this moment the servant answered 
the bell, by making her appearance ; she was a tall, raw- 
boned Irish woman, with a bright red head of hair, and 
with a nose very retrousse ! She stared at Blesston, and 
Blesston stared at her. 

Said she, “ Did you ring, sir 

“ Yes, I did. Get some coal.” 

She gave another stare, first at him, then at the fire, and 
then disappeared. 

“ What a figure,” thought he, “ that would make for my 
J uno !” and a smile played o’er his features as he com- 
pared her to the beautiful creation of his own hands, the 
plaster cast above. “ I hope to Heaven I may succeed in 
my undertaking, and would give any thing were I sure of it.” 
A great noise brought him from this train of reflection ; a 
rattling was heard outside, and then the voice of the beauti- 
ful servant girl, uttering an exclamation of surprise. Bless- 
ton sprang from his seat, and opening the door, asked what 
under the sun it was that created such a racket. “ Och !” 
said she, in tones of sorrow, “ and sure yer honor will pity 
me — it weren’t my fault.” It turned out, that having ar- 
rived at the staircase with her burden, she missed her foot- 
ing, and fell, when clutching at the bannister, saved herself 
but not the coal, which with the scuttle rattled'down with 
great fury. 

Having given her some orders, the young man re-entered 
the parlor, and once more occupied his seat by the fire, 


236 


BUBBLES OF FICTION. 


then producing a cigar, lit it by the candle, and commenced 
smoking. The coal was brought. The servant departed. 
All was still. 

Blesston was in a dreamy mood that evening, and at in- 
tervals he drew a gentle whifF of smoke ; that whiff seemed 
to produce an effect ; for his eyes would shut, and for some 
time he would continue motionless. His cigar at last (for 
want of encouragement) went out, but yet he continued to 
suck it as formerly, and I suppose that it was only on ac- 
count of the rank taste which now it had, that he became 
aware of the fact ; howbeit, he relit it, and continued in the 
listless state, as before. 

Time flew on — the dandle sank lower and lower, when 
on a sudden he gave signs of returned consciousness, for his 
cigar had burned so lOw, that it was rather uncomfortable 
for his lips, and dropping it hastily (somewhat in the same 
manner that a person said a monkey did a hot potato) 
into the spittoon, brought forth another, and wished to light 
it, but was unable, on account of the long snuff of the can- 
dle. Soon, however, the snuffers remedied the evil, and 
bis wish was accomplished. 

His mind now wandered to the labors of the past day, 
and recollected how he had toiled, and how anxious he was 
to produce a beautiful statue. Some how or other, as he 
reclined there, he wished the days of yore would return, 
when, by the aid of incantation, he might raise a being who 
would bestow success on his undertakings, and ending by 
expressing half aloud a desire that no less a personage than 
his Satanic Majesty would pay him a visit ! 

The fire had now got reduced to a bed of dull red coals (for 
he had been a considerable time sitting there), and the candle 
flared up preparatory to expiring, which was its fate the 


THE STATUE OF MARBLE. 


23T 


next instant. Blesston was not aware he was left in 
darkness, for his mind was elsewhere. His cigar, which he 
had been forced to light many times, was drawing to an 
end, and awaking, he dropped it beside the other, in the re- 
ceptacle at his feet, and listlessly leaning on the arm of the 
chair, watched it as ‘ it sent up little wreaths of white 
smoke. Soon these began to grow larger in size, deeper in 
color, and instead of ascending to the ceiling as aforetime, 
would just rise from the cigar and curl inside the box. The 
smoke grew higher and higher, still pursuing its circular 
form, till it had risen a foot ; and it was so dense that he 
could not see through it. Thinking this extremely odd, 
he blew, for the purpose of having it dispelled, but such 
was not the case ; it vanished not, in spite of the current of 
air ! 

The column continued steadily rising, till the height of 
six feet was attained, then, and not till then, did it increase 
in width. Rapidly evaporating, it showed in the midst a 
diminutive, hump-backed, one-eyed, red-haired, long-nosed, 
large-eared, enormous-mouthed, crooked-teethed, one-arm- 
ed, lame-legged man, who immediately winked with his 
one eye, wagged his large ears, laughed with his enormous 
mouth, and supporting himself on his sound leg, shook 
with his only arm his crutch at our astonished hero, who 
could not believe but that his eyes deceived him. 


n. 

* THE FEATS OF WONDER 

“ Who the devil are you?” exclaimed Blesston, starting 
back in his chair. 


238 


BUBBLES OF FICTION. 


“The same.” 

“The devil himselH” 

. “Yes.” 

: “ And what do you want 

“ Nothing at present.” 

“ What did you then come for 

“ Because you expressed a desire to behold the light of 
my countenance.” 

“ I believe I did have a little wish that way.” 

“ I believe you did — now I’m here ; what do you want 

“ I want you in the first place to change yourself into 
such a being as I can -look upon, for I’ll be blessed if ever I 
saw.an uglier animal.” 

His Satanic Majesty burst into a loud laugh, that sent 
the marrow freezing in his auditor’s bones, and then in a 
most horrible voice exclaimed, “ I will change, to please 
you — what would you like me to be ? ” 

“ A gentleman, if that were possible.” 

“ You will see.” And in an instant a fashionable person 
stood before him, dressed in black, with long hair, eyebrows, 
whiskers, moustaches, and beard, of the same sombre color. 

“ Now, what would you like me to do 1” said he, in a soft, 
insinuating voice. 

“ Let me see, can you do any thing 1” 

“ Certainly, I can perform every thing.” 

“ That’s modest,” answered the other ; “ at any rate, dis- 
play your powers.” 

“You see that?” pointing to the table-cloth, on which 
could just be distinguished by the pale light afforded by the 
fire, the sperm that had melted from the candle. “ Well, I 
will show you how to remove it — pay attention.” 

Stretching out his hand, it became of a red color, and 


THE STATUE OF MARBLE. 


239 


Blesston being near could feel the heat thereof. Then the 
stranger holding it over the sperm drippings, they rapidly 
dissolved and disappeared. 

“ Was your hand hot ]•’ demanded Blesston, when it had 
regained its natural color. 

“ It was of a red heat.” 

“ Then that performance I myself can do, not exactly 
with my hand, but with a red-hot poker.” 

“ Are you convinced 1” 

“ Not yet. But tell me by what name I may call you 

“ My name is Satan.” 

“ So I thought. Well, Mr. Satan, let me see some more 
of your experiments.” 

“ 1 have no objection ; but suppose we have some 
light.” 

“ I have no candle near, and if you want any light I’m 
afraid you’ll have to make it ; but there’s a fine subject to 
test your powers ; come, create a light.” 

“With pleasure; pay attention again, for I do not be- 
lieve you can do this'’’ 

Satan drew a chair to the table beside Blesston, and 
placing by his side the candlestick, held over it his hand, 
keeping it there for a few seconds, while this time it did not 
change color. 

“ Well,” said Blesston, “ where’s the light 1” 

“ Coming,” replied Satan. 

“ I see it not.” 

“ Look ! do you not see a flame ?” And, sure enough, 
from his open palm a pale blue light burned slowly down- 
wards. He softly raised his hand, and the flame increased 
in size. He softly lowered his hand, and the flame enter- 
ed the vacant socket of the candlestick. Raising it again, 


240 


BUBBLES OF FICTION. 


it still adhered, burning as freely as before, and depressing 
the same, it re-entered the socket. This operation he per- 
formed several times. At last the point of the flame 
remained in the candlestick, the end yet attached to his 
palm. Now he commenced moderately raising and low- 
ering it, steadily, as if the fire had been a piece of India- 
rubber, till it had increased in bulk, and was so intense in 
brightness, that Blesston had to withdraw his eyes. Stop- 
ping gradually, at last by a sudden jerk, his hand was lib- 
erated, and lo ! a flame of two inches in height blazed up 
from the candle-bearer. 

“ There !” said he, in a tone of triumph ; “ can you do 
that 1 Can you make a better one 

“ I must confess I cannot.” 

“ You see it is not so expensive as yours, for it requires 
neither oil nor sperm to keep it alive. You cannot blow 
it out, neither will it melt the candlestick.” 

“ Did you say that it could not be blown out ?” 

“Yes; I’ll try to extinguish it to gratify you;” and 
taking hold, he Swung it quickly around in a circle, but 
still it was, when he had finished, as brilliant as before. 
“ And when you wish it dark,” continued the strange man, 
“ all you have to do is to place something over the flame, 
thus,” taking a book and doing as he said, “ and when you 
want it light, remove the obstacle. It is a curious fire, and 
will not burn what is laid on it.” 

“ How can you extinguish it, then ?” 

“ By putting it in water.” 

“ All that I can say about that is, that it is rather a light 
feat ; suppose you try something else.” 

Satan took his new creation, and placed it on the man- 
tel, leaving the table free from every thing. 


THE STATUE OF MARBLE. 


241 


“ Help me smooth down the cloth,” said he to the yet 
seated Blesston. 

He did so. 

“ Now you will see the dancing girl of Spain. I will 
commence with that figure,” and he pointed to the Span- 
ish lady, which he uncovered and brought to the table, set- 
ting it in the middle thereof, and then seated himself in 
his chair, opposite Blesston. Waving his hand, what was 
the astonishment of the latter-named pej-son to see the 
figure, which was not more than a foot in height, show 
signs of life. She glanced over her shoulder, and using 
the fan she held in the way that no one but a Spanish lady 
can use it, commencedjrt^alking with the beautiful, majes- 
tic, undulating step for which those females are so renown- 
ed. Having w'alked around the table, as if going to church, 
Satan thought that she had enough of that, and had better 
display to the observer what in reality she was, a dancing 
girl ; so waving his hand once more, her sombre dress was 
shortened in the skirts, becoming of a light, gauzy texture, 
and of fanciful colors. Her mantilla disappeared, and in 
the place of the fan she held the castanets. Then skip- 
ping to the centre of the table, she lightly struck them 
together, and bounded off to the sound of music (from 
whence it came Blesston knew not), in a most beautiful 
dance. The cachucha drew to a close, the castanets were 
clapped for the last time, the dress of the stage changed 
to the more sedate one of the church, and the figure be- 
came as before motionless ! 

“ There ! what do you think of that f’ inquired his maj- 
esty ; “ are you yet convinced 1 can do any thing 

“ Yes, but it is yet early ; 1 should like to behold some 
more of your feats — have you any objection f’ 

11 


242 


BUBBLES OF FICTION. 


“ None at all,” replied he, replacing the figure on the 
mantel. 

“ Then afterwards we will to business.” 

“ Well, but I will have to remove the table, for then we 
will have more room.” So he opened the folding-doors, 
and taking it up with the greatest eas©^ removed it into 
the front parlor, and returning, also did the same to the 
chairs, there remaining then but the pier-table, sofa, and 
rocking chair, in which sat Blesston. Then placing the 
figure of the lady in the centre of the room, that of the' 
smuggler near the fireplace, and that of the horsebreaker 
in a remote corner, he said, “ Permit me to remove your 
chair, Blesston, for my little people want as much space 
to turn about in as possible.” He thought it not at all 
strange that his name should be known (for who was he 
dealing with'?) and arising, acquiesced with the request. 

The figures were soon set in motion, and the lady com- 
'menced slowly walking as before, drawing her mantilla 
gracefully about her beautiful form. The gay smuggler 
soon perceived the lovely creature, and hastily followed. 
Being aware of his presence, she gave him a mark of recog- 
nition as he passed, and stopping, they entered into conver- 
sation, finally walking slowly on together. The horse- 
breaker had now been caracoling swiftly about his end of 
the room, now setting his horse into a hard gallop, then 
breaking him into a trot, which evolutions were extremely 
beautiful to witness. As he beheld the lovers he rode up 
towards them. Now he appeared to grow very angry, 
and Blesston saw him place his fingers to his mouth as 
though he were pulling his tooth, and then turning his head 
as though spitting ; still (no doubt from his extreme small- 
ness of stature), he could hear no exclamation ; but it was 


THE STATUE OF MARBLE. 


243 


his firm belief that if he could, he would have heard a tre- 
mendous oath — perhaps the greatest the horsebreaker 
knew ! The lady looked troubled, raising her hands as 
though in fear ; the smuggler stepped forth and held a con- 
versation, when not coming to very amicable conclusions, 
he set his horse rearing upon him ; the lady started back 
in terror, while the apparent victim, darting on one side, 
brought his gun to a level and fired ! A thin puff of smoke 
M^as seen, a light report heard, the horsebreaker fell top- 
pling from his steed, and the lovers fell into each other’s 
arms ! 

“ Now,” said Blesston, “ I believe you can in reality do 
what I require of you.” 

The other person simply smiled, and replacing the figures 
in their original position, 'set over them their .cases. 

“ Now, one more favor to ask before business.” 

“ What is it r’ 

“ Can you make the figures in those paintings move,” 
pointing to them as they hung on the wall. 

“Yes.” 

The right hand picture, representing a skating scene, 
was soon in activity, and in an instant all represented 
thereon was life and merriment. The skaters glided 
swiftly o’er the smooth ice, now and then meeting comical 
accidents ; the young woman, seated in the chair on runners, 
pushed by a young man on skates, passed merrily on, the 
smoke curled out of the chimney of the house on the left, 
the old man briskly rubbed his hands as he moved up 
towards the same, the beer-drinkers around their stands on 
the ice pledged each other and smoked their pipes, the 
lookers on enjoyed the scene, and the windmills in the 
distance moved their ponderous sails. 


244 - 


BUBBLES OF FICTION. 


“ That is all very well ; now for the other,” said Bless- 
toii, when the scene had ended. 

The Dutch landscape did not admit so much variety as 
the former ; yet, the countryman drove* on his cows and 
bulls with repeated strokes of the whip ; yet, the cattle 
slowly jogged along, wagging their tails to keep off their 
enemies, the intrusive flies ; yet, the youth on horseback 
following paid more attention to a female seen in the back- 
ground (who was wending her way to the house, the roof 
of which was just visible among the trees) than he did to 
the cows ; and yet, the dog quickly lapped up the cooling 
water of the brook to stay his ardent thirst. On jogged 
the cattle till they came to the foreground, and then turned 
to the left (for to the left turned the road) ; on walked the 
countryman after them ; on trotted the dog ; on slowly 
proceeded the youth, gazing backwards, and — in an instant 
they were in their respective places again, and the piece 
was finished ! 


III. 

THE CONTRACT. 

“Now,” said Blesston, “I will tell you for what purpose 
I wished you. You must kno'Nv I am a sculptor, and am 
at the present moment engaged upon a statue which I in- 
tend shall eclipse in beauty all that have preceded it.” 

“ Not so easy done as you imagine,” interrupted Satan. 

“ Well, that was my intention, but fearing I might not 
succeed, I was wishing a while ago that the olden time might 
again come, when help might be given by some unearthly 
being. You appeared, and the rest is well known.” 


THE STATUE OF MARBLE. 


245 


“ I will agree to furnish you one.” 

“ A statue f’ 

“ Yes ; one that has never before seen its equal.” 

“ Do so, and I will ever be under obligations to you.” 

“ Stop ! There is something I must have in return.” 

“ And what may that be ?” 

“ Yourself.” 

“If’ 

“ Yes ; you, yourself, after life has passed from you. 

“ Oh ! I can never agree to that.” 

“ Eecollect, your statue will have no equal.” 

“My mind is made up.” 

Then my presence is needless ; good evening.” 

“ Stop ! Give me a short time to consider it.” 

“ Always ready to oblige you ; but let me see your sta- 
tue.” 

“ Come up stairs, and your wish will be gratified.” 

So taking the candle he opened the door, and followed 
by his unearthly visitor, ascended to his workroom. 

“ And is that your wonderful piece of workmanship,” 
said he, nearly screaming with laughter. 

“It is.” 

“ Why, my man, that’s but child’s work.” 

“Child’s work, indeed. I’ll let you know there’s no 
living sculptor goes a-head of me.” 

“ I don’t know about anybody going ahead of you, but 
here goes your lump of clay,” and seizing a hammer, he 
dealt a heavy blow upon the head of the unlucky statue, 
which broke it in many pieces ; and then, before the af- 
frighted man could stay his arm, he gave another one on 
the breast, staving it in, and overturning the whole image, 
trampled on it, touts utter destroyah • 


246 


. BUBBLES OF' FICTION. 


“ ]Now I have got you !” laughed he ; “ your labor is de- 
molished, and you will either be forced to accept my prop- 
osition or try again your luck, which, perhaps, will not an- 
other time smile on you.” 

“ Most cursed fiend !” 

“ Ah ! you flatter me ; but come ! what say you — will 
you sign the contract 

Blesston hesitated. 

“ Remember, you will receive a most magnificent piece 
of workmanship, that will do you credit.” 

Blesston wavered. 

“ And your fame will be spread abroad, and — ” 

Blesston yielded. 

“ If I should sign, when could I get the statue 

“ To-morrow morning, at sunrise.” / 

“ So soon V’ 

■ “ That is not soon ; if I wished, I could create one this 
instant ; but will you sign - 

“ Yes.” 

“Well, then, read this paper, and see if it is all right;” 
and he drew from the pocket of his great-coat a roll of 
parchment, tied with black tape, which unrolling he gave 
him, and then producing a quill, by the aid of a small 
' knife commenced making a pen. Blesston, by the light 
he held, perused the manuscript, and found it to be a 
deed, making over his body to the Evil One when he died, 
on condition that he should receive a marble statue, of the 
size of life, and of superior’ workmanship and beauty. 
His face grew pale as he read, yet when the devil asked 
him if it was satisfactory, he answered in the affirmative. 

“ Now for the signing — have the kindness to bare your 
arm.” He bared it. Taking from his waistcoat pocket a 


THE STATUE OF MARBLE. 


24r 


lancet, he slightly pricked it, and a drop of blood oozed 
forth. Dipping the pen in the red fluid, he presented* it to 
him, and holding the parchment, bid him write his name, 
indicating the place. With a trembling hand he acqui- 
esced, and the strange visitor taking it, breathed upon the 
writing, which instantly was dried, then rolling up the scroll, 
said : 

“ Go down now, and take care not to come to this room . 
before to-morrow morning, at sunrise.” 

Blesston sought his bed, but sleep visited him not that 
night, except at intervals, and then it was accompanied by 
fearful dreams. 


IV. 

THE STATUE. 

The next morning he arose, and with trembling hands 
slowly dressed himself; then went to the room in which he 
was to receive the payment for himself. Trying to open 
the door, he found it fastened, Avhich, at first he knew not 
the reason of, but at last recollected that it was not per- 
mitted him to enter till the sun had risen, and that event 
had not yet occurred. 

Time flew on, and he again essayed. He entered ; and 
there, in the place of his rough block of marble, stood an 
image of surpassing beauty. Ilis heart throbbed with ad- 
miration in the contemplation thereof, for it was, in reality, 
a masterpiece, and represented a female figure, exceed- 
ingly magnificent and lifelike. He walked around and ex- 
amined the work with great attention, finding that the more 
he gazed the more he was pleased. 


248 


BUBBLES OF FICTION. 


A low, chuckling laugh was now heard, that seemed to 
proceed from a farther corner of the room behind him, and 
on turning, Satan presented himself. • 

“ Ha ! ha ! are you pleased 

“ Yes.” 

“ Did you ever see its like before 
I must confess I did not.” 

“ And you are well pleased with your bargain 1” 

« Well— yes !” 

“Don’t you think your name will be spread about 
now f’ ' . 

“Very likely.” 

“Now examine the breast of the figure, and tell me if 
ever you saw superior workmanship.” 

Blesston commenced scrutinizing it. 

At this moment Satan gave a scream so shrill and 
piercing, that it nearly deafened him, and at the same time 
the statue flung out its arms, and clasped the horror-stmck 
youth to its marble bosom. 

“ You Irave now had your share of the agreement ; it is 
time I should have mine,” cried he, in great 'merriment. 

“ What do you mean — why am I thus held ?” cried he, 
as he writhed. 

“What do 1 mean? Did I not give you, by agree- 
ment, the lovely being that now holds you in her em- 
brace, on condition that you should' belong to me after 
death ?” 

“ Yes.” 

- “Well, then, do you think I am going to wait some 
twenty or thirty years for that event to happen? My 
lovely Venus,” said he, addressing the statue, “give the 
delighted youth one of your tender hugs.” 


THE STATUE OF MARBLE. 


249 


“ Mercy ! mercy !” cried he, in agony, “ spare me ! 
spare me !” - 

“ No, no ; I have you now, and in a few minutes you 
will be completely in my power.” 

Have mercy ! spare me !” 

“Never ! You entered into an agreement with me, the 
devil, and you must expect to receive a devil’s treatment.” 

“ Heavens ! mercy !” 

“ I will gratify your desire, and will spare you.” 

“ Do. I will bless you.” 

“ I will liberate you from your present state.” Then 
folding his arms he frowned frightfully, his eyes appearing 
like globes of fire beneath his shaggy eyebrows, and in a 
horribly solemn tone he slowly addressed the statue. 

“Venus ! cmsh him ! !” 

But befoi'e the marble goddess could obey this last 
command, a female suddenly appeared, clothed in bright 
robes, at whose sight Satan resumed his original appearance, 
and ran howling away, and the statue unloosed her arms, 
leaving our hero free. The statue stood as formerly. The 
fairy raised Blesston, who had fallen on his knees at her, 
feet, and spake as follows : 

“ Rash mortal ! had I delayed one instant to render the 
proper succor, life would have been "extinct, and you 
would have been in the power of the fiend; but now 
being liberated, act with righteousness, as you ought, and 
be not led into any more temptations.’” So saying, she 
disappeared. 

Blesston gazed bewilderingly around him, so overjoyed 
was he at his liberation, and at last, having cast his eyes 
on the floor, beheld a roll of parchment^, which in an in- 
stant he knew was the contract between him and the devil, 

11 ^ 


250 


BUBBLES OF FICTION. 


and which he had, no doubt, let fall at the appearance 
of the fairy. Seizing it, he thrust it in his bosom, and 
giving thanks to the divine being that had freed him from , 
eternal agony in the realms of woe, placing him also in 
possession of such a magnificent statue, he descended to 
the parlor, and throwing the parchment in the blazing fire, 
stirred not from the place till he had seen it reduced to 
ashes. 


EUGENE. 


In the upper part of a large building, built and used as 
a university, was a room, in the center of which was a table, 
and around it were six young men, whom, if we were to 
judge by appearances, we would not in the least hesitate 
to say were ardent worshippers at the shrine of that jovial 
god well known in mythology by the name of Bacchus. 
Did they not possess haggard and bloodshot eyes ? And 
were not the bloated faces of one or two evidence enough ? 
The round table before them was of highly-polished mahog- 
any, while a pile of black-covered books of different 
shapes rose in the center, supporting two flaming candles, 
and collected around them were numerous bottles, whose 
appearance would lead one to suppose them of antique 
date (we will not however dispute the fact), and two big- 
bellied decanters, through the cut-glass sides of which 
sparkled the rosy juice, were stationed on each side 
thereof. 

The room itself belonged to one of the students, and all 
the furniture, books, and so forth, were piled up in one 
corner, which, together with the bed, were hid from sight 
by a green baize curtain suspended from the ceiling. Sit- 
ting at this festive board, facing the entrance of the apart- 
ment, was a young man, the proprietor of the room, who 
turning to his neighbor on the right, said — 

“ Ned — a song.” 


252 


BUBBLES OF FICTION. 


“ Impossible ! my genius does not run in that line,” 
replied Ned. 

“ Can’t you try to give us one 

“ Would you wish me to perform an impossibility 1” 

“ Then, Arthur, I’m sure you will.” 

“Yes, yes,” observed Ned, “I know you are a perfect 
musical character ; come, let us have ‘ Life let us cherish,’ 
or some other song of the same sort.” 

“We are extremely sedate this evening,” remarked the 
former speaker, and nothing would so enliven us as the 
effect of your melodious voice.” 

“ Humbug !” remarked Arthur. 

No, no, there’s no humbug at all,” again said Ned, 
“ what Eugene observed is perfectly true, and knowing how 
you would please the assembly, I cannot see why you even 
hesitate to comply with the wish.” 

“ Nor I either,” said a fourth, remarkable as having a 
nose quite i-etrousse. 

“Nor J,” added a fifth, who, possessing no peculiarities, 
is unworthy of notice. 

“ Nor I,” said the sixth of this select company, thump- 
ing the table with his fist, as if to give greater force to 
w'hat he utttered. 

“ Now, gentlemen,” said Eugene, gazing around. “ what 
say you, a song or no song, that is the question.” 

“Bravo !” cried Ned. 

“ A song ! a song !” shouted the rest. 

“ It’s impossible,” quietly remarked Arthur, who was an 
interesting young gentleman of eighteen or nineteen years 
of age. 

“ I would not press you,” said Eugene, “ seeing you feel 
a little bashful in giving us a sample of your vocal powers-. 


EUGENE. 


253 


but as the majority is in favor of one, and as the majority 
always govern, drink a glass of this wine to clear your 
pipes, and without any preluding commence.” 

“ Or I,” spoke another student, who was called Harry, 
and who was a tall, lean personage, “ had it not been that 
Dame Nature, that great dispenser of good and evil, has 
not given me the power of making my voice harmonious, 
would have trolled forth a song without more ado.” 

“ Now, gentlemen,” answered the subject of this ani- 
mated discourse, “ the fact is — the reason why I don’t sing 
is — ” 

“ Hear, hear !” cried one. 

“ The fact is, I would sing, if possible ; but it is not in 
my power.” 

“ Why 1” 

“ To tell the truth, I have caught a cold, and am really 
too hoarse.” 

“Nonsense,” said Ned. 

“ A song and nothing but a song,” said the rest. 

“ Young ladies,” observed Eugene, “ when asked, nearly 
always have the same complaint.” 

“ But they get cured very easily, however ; at least I 
saw the remedy in the newspaper,” replied Ned. 

“ What was it ' 

“ To ask their sisters (if they have any) to sing.” 

“ 1 tell the truth, Eugene. I am no young lady, and 
besides, for so trifling a cause 1 would not utter a falsehood, 
but since I can’t sing, I can drink to your toasts and ap- 
plaud your songs.” 

After some more conversation of the same kind, Eugene, 
at the earnest request of those present, agreed to take Ar- 
thur’s part, and show his vocal talent, but as the words and 


254 


BUBBLES OF FICTION. 


music were of his own composition, we have been unable 
to obtain a copy to place before the reader ; however, let 
this suffice, it will be some consolation to know, as a com- 
pensation for its loss, that neither the one nor the other did 
him much credit. 

The decanter and bottles slowly began to circulate ; in 
' like manner toasts and jokes, laughter and repartee, arose 
among them. The various topics of the day were brought 
forward, discussed, and placed aside, and at last the wine 
they had so frequently quaffed was presented on the tapis. 
It seemed to be the general opinion that it was good, nay, 
very good, and one went so far as to say it was excellent, 
and that one was Eugene. 

Yes,” cried he, this juice is what I call prime.” 

“ It is so indeed,” replied Ned. * 

“ Never did I taste better, and I doubt whether any of 
you did either.” • 

“ There you mistake,” answered the other, “ for I have.” 

“ And I,” observed one, “ but nevertheless, I must con- 
fess that it is very good.” 

“ So good,” remarked a chubby, rosy-faced person oppo- 
site the speaker, “ that I could drink a dozen of those bot- 
tles without stopping.” 

“ Bravo ! and so could I.” 

“ If there were such in the Good Place, where I expect 
to go some of these days, I don’t care how soon I get 
there.” 

“ Or I,” laughed a merry youth, with his nose flushed 
greatly. 

“ Neither would I have any objections,” cried another, 
emptying a glass for the purpose of showing vthat what he 
said was true. 


EUGENE. 


.255 

: “Well,” said Eugene, “whether you could drink the 
contents of twenty of these bottles, or whether you would 
go to Heaven, or not, I don’t know, but one thing I do 
know, and that is, that I will lay a wager, I can drink naore 
than any one of you here.” 

“To what amount will you lay itf’ said Ned, “for if it 
is any thing worth gaining, perhaps I will take it up.” 
“You know that this entertainment cost something f’ ' 

“ Perfectly well.” 

“ That something has to be paid from the pockets of 
every one of us.” 

“Precisely — all contribute to defray expenses.” 

“ Now would it not be particularly gratifying to the rest, 
if the loser wipes off the whole expense V 
The rest agreed it would. 

“ You hear their answer, and mine is, that I agree to the 
-proposition,” said Ned. 

“ Have any of you a pen, ink, and paper — stop, I have 
the ink and paper, but no pen.” 

“ Yes, yes, book it — there can be no harm in placing it 
in black and white.” 

“ None in the least.” 

The desired articles were produced from behind the green 
curtain, and soon the signatures of the contending parties 
were affixed to the writing. Bottles were also produced, 
'cork-screws commenced their business, and two of them 
were ready for the consumer. Each young man taking his 
bottle, part of the contents were poured into a large-sized 
goblet, which being quickly turned bottom upward, was 
replenished, and in a short time the bottles Vv^ere emp- 
ty. 

“ Ned,” said Eugene, throwing his across the table, be* 


S56 


BUBBLES OE ElCTION, 


hind the green curtain, “ do you feel strong enough to drink 
another 
“Do your 

“ Certainly, a number yet before I yield.” 

Bottle number two was by each finished, and sent behind 
the suspended baize — for the students kept an account, and 
the empty, articles were in the way. 

“ Eugene,” said Ned, “ what is the state of your thirst '2” 

“ Prime.” 

As the third bottle was commenced the contest grew 
rather interesting, and the remaining students drew still 
nearer to them, and during the silence that followed, they 
rested their elbows on the table, and their chins in their 
hands, watching the proceedings with the deepest interest. 
Instead of pouring the wine first into the goblet, as afore- 
time, Eugene now placed the uncorked bottle to his mouth, 
and in two draughts emptied it, while his antagonist ad- 
vanced rather more slowly. 

As Ned held in one hand the fourth bottle, and in the 
other a corkscrew, the spectators saw that his glance was 
vacant; that he muttered; that he could not fix the 
point of the screw in the cork ; and that moreover, he could 
hardly keep his balance in his chair ; all of which signs 
tended to show, that he was about losing the bet ; this con- 
clusion was quickly verified, for in less than a minute he 
toppled from his chair, and fell senseless on the floor, while 
Eugene, with an exulting laugh, severed by a well-directed 
stroke, the head from the bottle, and elevating it, opened 
his mouth, into which, in a gentle stream, he poured the 
rosy wdne. 

The four students (whether it was from the knowledge 
that now there was hardly any doubt that they would 


EUGENE. 


25r 


have to contribute towards the entertainment, or whether 
it was simply from honor of the victory gained, I know 
not) raised a shout, and placing a chair on the table, sat 
the conqueror thereon, then crying, “ we bend the knee to 
thee, O ! thou second Bacchus !” emptied goblet after gob- 
let of the pure juice on his head, which like the ointinent 
of Aaron, of which we read, ran over his person, and drip- 
ping on the floor, cast around a strong fragrance. 

Great was now their mirth, and after the applause, the 
kingly occupier of the chair made what he intended to be 
a speech, but which was nothing but unconnected phrases 
and unintelligible words. 

The oration was finished, the glasses were thumped on 
the table, hands were clapped, and bravos were raised, but 
when these subsided a sound was heard, that instantly had 
the effect of silencing those who were not too far gone — it 
being a knock at the door. No answer was returned, and 
to open it no one arose. 

“ Boys,” exclaimed one, “ what had we better do 

“ Who knows f’ answered another, shrugging his shoul- 
ders. 

“ Let him knock,^’ said a third. 

And the knocking again commenced. 

“ Perhapsvthat noise is made by the principal.” 

“ The devil !” ejaculated Eugene. 

“ No doubt,” continued the former speaker, “ he wishes 
to discover what we are doing.” 

“And we haven’t got any time to hide any of the 
things,” observed his neighbor. 

“ And if we had,” rejoined another, “ what the deuce could 

we do with Ned'?” 

“ That’s the question.” 


.258 


BUBBLES OF FICTION. 


“ His snoring would betray his presence for at that 
moment he breathed so loudly, that it sounded as if he 
was snoring. 

“ Now, hear me,” cried Eugene, from his throne on the 
table — “ hear me.” 

“Hear the king!” exclaimed the youth \rho declined 
singing, and silence was obtained, for they had been all 
giving their different opinions on the subject. 

“ My idea,” continued he, in ^ theatrical voice, “ is of a 
sudden to open wide the door.” 

“ And be discovered '? — that’s a bad idea.” 

“ It is not by any means a bad idea.” 

“ Prove it, then.” 

“ If it should be the principal, we are already discover- 
ed, for can’t oiir voices be heard through — the — the — 
through the door?” 

. “ True — never thought of that.” 

“ And don’t you be — lieve, if it is him, that — that — he 
has been listening this half hour ?” 

“Very probable, I dare say.” 

“ And — and if it should prove otherwise, we can have 
the sat — is — fac — tion of letting our grandeur be seen.” 

Having finished this high-flown speech to the general 
satisfaction, the door was swung open. 

“By Styx! a prince of darkness, by JoveT’ exclaimed 
one, and a burst of merriment followed, for an astonished 
negro gazed at the merry-makers. 

“ Gentlemen,” spake he, dazzled by the flare of light, 
and confounded by the noise — “ gentlemen.” 

“ Well, you sooty-faced rascal !” cried one, “ spout away, 
we’re all attention.” 

“ Gentlemen, Mr. Smith — ” 


EUGENE. 


259 


“ Confound him !” interrupted another. 

“ Mr. Smith told me I would find Mr. Eugene here.” 

“ Glad to hear it,” spake the person in question, in a 
husky voice.” 

“ Is he present V’ for he did not distinguish at that mo- 
ment our hero, in the form of the drunken student. 

“ Aye, Cuff*, is he,” replied the opener of the door. 

“Where is he, gentlemen?” resumed the black; “I do 
not see him.” 

“ Behold him !” continued the youth, pointing in his di- 
rection; “behold him on his throne of state, crowned 
with majesty, and wrapt in dignity,” and another burst of 
merriment followed. 

“ Is it possible !” for he novr recognized his features 
through his hair mg-tted over them, and below his wet and 
soiled clothes. 

Eugene’s memory now stole slowly upon him ; he 
thought he remembered the face of the negro, but could 
not for the instant tell where he had seen him ; then his 
ideas grew somewhat clearer, and he knew the voice ; then 
the whole man; and then exclaimed, “As I’m — a’liv — ^ing 
being, Scip — i — o — that you ?” 

“It is, Mr. Eugene.” 

“ Whar did you come from?” sang the rest in chorus, 
going through the whole of that admirable production. 

“ Silence !” cried Eugene, stamping loudly, “ silence ! — 
Sip — want a glass of wine ?” 

“ No, Mr. Eugene.” 

“ Do you want to see me ?” 

“ Yes, Mr. Eugene.” 

“ What — did you — want to see me for ? Here I — am !” 


260 


BUBBLES OF FICTION. 


cried he, descending from the table, and advanced towards 
him ; come — sp — — ^peak out !” 

“ I have news.” 

“ News ! out — ^with them ; but are they good — or bad ?” 

“ Bad, I’m sorry to say.” 

“Oh, then — Sip-^don’t t — tell them, I conj — j — jure 
you; don’t you see mir — mirth reigns here? — we’re all 
happy; s — o — o am I. I’m king — did you know it? 
Sip, I’m king — ^been crowned — don’t you sm — e — e — ell 
the perfume of the wi — ine ?” 

“ Mr. Eugene, my news is very bad.” 

“ Don’t — ^want to — hear it, I tell — you !” 

“ But come into another room, where we can be in pri- 
vate. I must tell you, for there is no time to be lost ;” 
and so saying, Eugene saw that his voice was tremulous, 
and that his countenance expressed grief. 

“Well, old boy, s — e — eing its so — very important — I 
don’t care if I do — go — with you ;” then turning to his 
companions, exclaimed, as he waved his hand, “ E — a — re- 
well, my subjects !” after which, steadying himself as much 
as lay in his power, by grasping the negro’s arm, he slowly 
left the room. 

But there was hardly any use in thus bidding them 
adieu, for even during the short space of time occupied by 
him in his interview with the visitor, a dispute arose be- 
tween two of the interesting and promising young stu- 
dents, about some trivial subject, which drew in its meshes 
the other two ; the controversy grew stronger and strong- 
er, the gestures more energetic, and the end of the affair 
was, that eighht clenched fists flew with repeated and 
heavy strokes at four human faces, and in a few minutes 


EUGENE. 261 

the like number of human beings fell in a mess together, 
rolling at length upon the floor. * * * * 

“ Yes, Henry,” said, in a feeble voice, a man, who lying in 
a handsomely decorated bed, addressing a powerfully built 
person, bearing the appearance of a seaman, standing by 
his side, “ yes, Henry, I own nothing — am beggarless.” 

“ You who were so rich ! — oh, cousin, the reverse of for- 
tune is great.” 

“ It’s terrible to those who are unprepared for the change 
— ^but, Henry, I care not for myself ; why should 1 1 shortly 
my spirit will depart, and I hope will be free from all care 
and trouble ; but the idea is painful, to think that my son, 
my only son, my poor Eugene, will be left penniless.” 

“ Do not think of that,” replied he earnestly, “ 1 promise 
that the youth shall be taken care of by me, but how 
grieved I am to see you thus extended on the bed of sick- 
ness.” 

“ On the bed of death, Henry, for never more shall I rise 
from it.” 

“ Do drive away those thoughts ; why always bring it to 
remembrance ?” 

“ The hour is fixed, Henry, for my departure.” 

“ I hope not.” 

“ The doctor gives me but little hopes of recovery.” 

“ Try to sleep. I’m sure it will do you good ; and I will 
stay here to give any aid that may be needed.” 

The sick gentleman had once possessed beauty and riches, 
but speculations had deprived him of the latter, and care, 
anxiety, and numerous troubles, of the former, leaving him a 
perfect wreck. The loss of his wealth had affected his 
health, matters grew from bad to worse, and now he was 
stretched upon the couch of sickness, perhaps never more 


262 


BUBBLES OF FICTION. 


to rise. Many years previous his wife died, and of nume- 
rous children only one was spared, whom we have already 
introduced to the reader, by the name of Eugene, when 
being determined to give him a good education, he sent the 
youth to college — but as we have seen, he learnt more of 
dissipation, and how to please boon companions, than he 
did' of the lore of books. 

The room in which were the two persons,^was quite ele- 
gantly furnished, but a death-like stillness reigned, broken 
only by the hard breathings of the invalid : and though a 
couple of candles burned on the mantel, they served only 
to heighten the pervading solemnity. Captain Henry (for 
that was his rank) had thrown himself in an easy chair, and 
was gazing vacantly at the fire, feebly burning in the grate, 
when he was aroused from his melancholy reflections, by 
the voice of the sick man. 

“ Henry, what time is it 1” 

The hour was named. 

“ Is it not yet time for them to arrive 

“ I hardly think they could have got here yet.” 

“ How I wish they would come ; I fear that never again 
shall my eyes see my dear Eugene.” 

“ Hark ! was not that a carriage V’ said the seaman, and 
arising, he went to the window, and softly opening the shut- 
ter, glanced out. 

“ Is it he feebly asked the invalid. 

“ A gig — man alights — ascends the stoop — no, there is 
only one person. 

“ It is the doctor.” 

The door of the apartment soon opened, and there en- 
tered a tall man, wearing green spectacles ; who advancing 
to the bed, nodded his head to the visitor, and asked' the 


EUGENE. 


268 


patient the state of his health, at the same time feeling his 
pulse. - His eountenance fell, and relinguished his wrist, he 
spake somewhat; then went to the silent 'spectator of the 
scene, who stood apart : 

“ Has any thing happened that is alarming I” he asked. 

“ I find he is extremely low, and would not vouch for his 
existence long.” 

“ Is it possible I’eplied the captain, in the whisper that 
the conversation had been carried on in. 

The physician again shook his head, but said nothing. 

“ Doctor !” exclaimed the invalid. 

“ I am here ” 

“ Tell me, truly, how long may I — may I expect to 
live?” 

The hour of your departure,” replied the doctor, in a 
solemn though unsteady voice, “ is, I am sorry to say, my 
dear friend, near — near at hand.” 

“ Henry — Henry — when will he come 1” 

“ I hear a carriage — it is them !” 

Steps were now heard on the staircase, the door opened, 
and in rushed Eugene, quite pale ! The next moment he 
was in his embrace. The two men stood beside the bed — the 
candles burned still more feebly — and the father of Eugene 
still lay on the bed, but to Him who gave it, had flown liis 
spirit. 

The deceased, free from all the cares, troubles, and anx- 
ieties of this turbulent and selfish world, was carried to his 
last resting place, and Eugene was left an orphan. But 
Captain Henry fulfilled the promise made his dying cousin ; 
and as the vessel of which he was the commander, was 
about sailing in a few days, determined to take Eugene along, 
as the voyage might be beneficial, and perhaps at the end 


264 


BUBBLES OF FICTION. 


thereof, something advantageous might be presented. 
Having, therefore, arranged his affairs, on the morning of a 
bright spring dg-y the vessel swept gayly down the lovely 
harbor of New York, and our hero leaned listlessly on the 
taffrail, and regarded the fast disappearing city. Although 
for a few days he was a victim to the deathly sickness that 
affects nearly every ^person on his first voyage ; yet, 
when that had passed, he was quite pleased with the new 
scene he was in, and it may be from having given up his 
dissipated habits ; though so short a time had elapsed, his 
health had improved, and he was fast gaining in every res- 
pect. Among the passengers (for there were several) one 
person, a middle-aged gentleman, of attractive appearance 
and pleasing disposition, w'hose name was Mr. S wanly, in- 
terested our hero, and the feeling was mutual ; for the gen- 
tleman kindly noticed the lad, and often held conversations 
with him ; familiarity ensued to such an extent, that some- 
times hours would glide away unperceived by either, while 
in each other’s company. •st * * * * 

It was a calm afternoon. 

The wind was just powerful enough to fill the sails of 
the noble ship, slowly propelling it onwards, when Mr. 
Swanly and his young friend Eugene were sitting on the 
taffrail, silently regarding the magnificent spectacle of a 
setting sun. The monarch of the sky was increasing in 
size„in splendor, and in deepness of color, as he sank behind 
the vast expanse of silvered and gilded waters. The blood- 
red orb had dipped and disappeared, and Eugene, with 
eyes riveted on the place where he had vanished, heard a 
splash in the water, and turning, missed his companion, 
when glancing downwards discovered the gentleman strug- 
gling with the billows. Instantly springing overboard, he 


EUGENE. 


265 


swam to the place where he had disappeared, anxiously 
awaiting till he should arise, expecting, without any doubt, 
that occurrence would take place ; and in fact he was not 
disappointed, for soon the yet struggling form of Mr. 
S wanly w^as perceived, a few feet distant. Tln*ee strokes 
and he was by his side, and seizing him by the arm, suc- 
ceeded in keeping his head above water, though at the 
peril of his own life, for,^as it is very well known, drowning 
men will grasp even at straws, so, as soon as the rescuer 
appeared, was he quickly clutched, and it was only with 
great efforts that he managed to free himself from the 
frantic seizure. A boat, manned by four seamen, now 
arrived, the two were taken therein, and in a few minutes 
stood dripping on the deck ; when, on proper treatment being 
rendered, in a short time they had nearly recovered from 
their cool bath. It seems, as Mr. Swailly was sitting on 
the taffrail, the vessel made a sudden lurch, which de- 
priving him of his balance, toppled him overboard. 

After this occurrence, he and the young man were 
together more than formerly, and among other topics of ' 
discourse, he asked our hero the history of his life, who 
without hesitation gave its narration. 

“ Eugene,” said he, when it was finished, “ I have long 
liked, nay may even say loved you. You are alone, you 
say f’ 

“ Yes, sir, I said so.” 

“ And without friends, save the master of this vessel 

Eugene replied in the affirmative. 

“You have no one except him to look to for support — 
no home — no relations. Now, Eugene, hear me ; I am 
rich, and a widower, but have no friend to whom I could 
wish to leave my w^ealth, when the Supreme Being thinks 
12 


266 


BUBBLES OF FICTION. 


fit to take me away. As 1 have said, I admire your abili- 
ties and disposition ; will you be that friend? Have you 
any objection to be my son ?” 

“ You said,” replied Eugene, after a mornent’s thought, 
“ that you were a widower ; have you no child ?” 

“ Yes ; but oh Hejj-ven !” replied he, pressing his hand 
to his forehead, and slightly changing color, “ I did have 
one — a son — but — let that pass.” 

“ Is he still living ?” 

“ Yes ; at least I know not whether he is alive or dead ; 
it is a long, long while since I saw him, and though I have 
made every exertion for the purpose of hearing of him, yet 
have learned nothing ; but, Eugene, will you answer my 
question ?” 

He again fell in deep thought. 

“ Mr. Swanly,” at last said he, taking in his the kind 
gentleman’s hand, and speaking with tearful eyes, “ Mr. 
Swanly, I once had a father, but — he is gone. Heaven has 
seen fit to bless me with another. Father, I will be a du- 
-tifulson.” 

“ My dear boy, exclaimed the gentleman, tenderly pres- 
sing his hand, “this is real happiness. I know you will be 
what you say.” 

Silence followed, and shortly after they separated. 

“ Father,” said he one day (for he now called him by 
that title), “ father, tell me of him of whom you spake the 
other day.” 

“ Of whom, Eugene ?” 

“ Of your son ; I would know more about him.” 

“ Know, then, that I was once the happy parent of a pro- 
mising boy, who, when he had attained the age of manhood, 
was dazzled by the alluring charms of vice — ^bewildered- — 


EUGENE. 


267 


' fascinated. I entreated him to leave off his evil habits. 
For a time my counsels had a good effect, but he fell again 
in his old course ; vicious young men opened the snare, 
and my boy fell therein ! My son, my darling boy, my 
fondest, brightest hope was led on, step by step, till in the 
end a robbery was committed. He, the principal actor, 
was forced to flee from the grasp of justice, since which 
time I have not seen him : it may be he is dead, but still 
r would desire once more to behold him before I die.” 

' “ How long ago was that, when he was forced to flee 1” 

“ Ten years have elapsed since the melancholy occur- 
rence.” 

And the conversation ceased. 

The remainder of the voyage passed without any in- 
cident worth recording. Eugene grew daily in the affec- 
* tion of his adopted father. The vessel arrived at Havre, 
and as Mr. S wanly was at this place to leave for the French 
' capital, our hero shook hands with and bid adieu to his rela- 
tive, who was quite contented his ward should meet with 
such good fortune, for the -gentleman was one of his old 
acquaintances, and moreover one whom he highly esteemed. 

Eugene had greatly improved, both in appearance and 
in health. It would be almost impossible to know him 
now, compared to what he was formerly ; the pale, thin, 
haggard, dull-eyed boy had disappeared, and in his place 
was a fine-formed, robust, sparkling-eyed lad. To tell 
the truth, he was, in reality, a handsome youth, with his 
thick curls clustering around his brow, and even the scorch- 
ing sun had added to his beauty, by imparting a brownish 
hue to his rosy complexion. 

Paris, that place of pleasure, was reached, and when the 
business that called them thither had been settled, they 


268 


BUBBLES OF FICTION. 


visited nearly all the principal cities in France, and thence 
to Italy, where several months were pleasantly spent in 
the beautiful city of Florence. After the lapse of more 
than a year, they set sail for their native land ; and it was 
with no little pleasure that Eugene again saw the city that 
gave him birth rise slowly from the w^ater. They took 
rooms in the upper part of the city, and spent their time 
in innocent enjoyments. Mr. Swanly was rich, and there- 
fore there was no use in working. He was a lover of 
books, and Eugene having taken the good advice of for- 
- saking his old companions, found much pleasure in culti- 
vating his talents for music and painting, in which last 
beautiful accomplishment he excelled. 

Shortly, however, was this quiet life to be disturbed, for 
Mr. Swanly having taken a violent cold, it settled on his 
lungs, and notwithstanding the efforts of the physician, he 
rapidly sank, and to the unutterable sorrow of our hero, 
died, leaving him, for the second time, friendless; and 
though, wFen the will was opened, he found himself sole 
heir to all his property, he would willingly have sacrificed 
all, could he have recalled life to his dear, departed com- 
panion. 

As he sat one evening in his room, illumined solely by 
the feeble glare of. the half dead fire, all the chief incidents 
that had occurred in his life for years back, rushed upon 
his memory. He recollected his father — the drunken 
scene in the university — the arrival of Scipio, and the dy- 
ing scene — then the occurrence at sea — how he had rescued 
his future adopted father — and, at last, thought' what he 
would do now, seeing he was alone in the world. As his 
eyes wandered over the oft-beheld pictures hanging about 
the room, and the various other articles, they rested on a 


EUGENE. 


269 


piece of furniture which the deceased, had used as a writ- 
ing-desk and book-case, when reiTiembering he had wished 
him to destroy all his papers, he lit a candle, cind drawing 
near to the desk, opened it, and overhauled its contents. 
Letter after letter relative to past business found its 
resting-place in the now blazing fire, and the searcher, 
though sorely oppressed by the hand of affliction, could 
hardly prevent a smile flitting over his featui*es as he be- 
held a small packet, labelled so curiously that he opened 
it, finding it to be love-letters, but not feeling so disposed, 
did not stop to read them, and soon they were reduced to 
ashes. As he drew forth some loose papers from a pigeon- 
hole, one fell on the floor, which, on examination, proved 
to be a piece of poetry, but whether written by the de- 
ceased, he knew not ; however, it had no particular merit. 
Thus it ran : 

THE WILL o’ THE WISP. 

Dost thou behold yon glimm’ring, flick’ring light. 

Feebly shining across this vast, dreary marsh? 

Now gently rising, though advancing still, 

Then swiftly dashing omvards, as before— 

Now hov’ring o’er the dark and dismal pool, 

On whose black surface it reflected is ? — 

A strange, unearthly light ' 

Behold, how now 

On tops of reeds it’s lightly resting, and 
Again once more goes dashing, skipping on, 

Till in the far distance it doth vanish. 

Dost thou know this mysterious fire ? ’Tis the 
Ignis Faiuus^’ leading far astray 
The unwary traveller, who from his path 
Doth wander, thinking he a house has found. 

In which he might seek shelter. 


270 BUBBLES. OF FICTION. 

•), So it is 

With youth. Lured by the uncertain light of 
Evil, they the right way do forsake. On, 

And still on, are they drawn, till at last, deep 
Are plunged into vice, which still lower 
Sinks them down, and then — their doom is fixed! 

' Shun the paths of evil. Hold not converse 
With workers of iniquity. In ways 
Of virtue walk thou ; and then most surely. 

When thy time does come, in the Blessed Place 
Thou wilt receive thy just reward. 

Eugene missed Mr. Swanly. In fact, he was, as might be 
expected, extremely lonely without him. No more did he 
hear his sweetly-toned voice, but all was silent in the once 
happy room ; the books lay scattered around ; the paint- 
ing easel and piano stood as when last he had used them ; 
but now they were no more touched, and much of the day 
was spent in silent meditation. At last, thinking to wear 
off the melancholy that had gained the mastery of him, 
once more he mingled in the merry society he had so long 
forsaken, and was again a frequenter of theatres, balls, and 
other places of amusement. This course of conduct had, 
in some measure, the desired effect, for during the exciting 
scenes enacted on the boards of the playhouse, his mind 
was deeply engaged, and his bereavement and sorrow were 
recollected no more. But if his evenings were thus spent, 
a vacuum presented itself during the day, to remedy which 
the mornings were occupied in some bar-room reading the 
papers, in billiard saloons, or in bowling alleys, which may 
be expected to have caused-him to fall in his old way, and 
in the company of doubtful characters. 


EUGENE. 


271 


One night, at the Park Theatre, when the tragedy of 
Richard the Third was finished, he left the boxes, for the 
purpose of “ smiling,” when meeting one of his bar-room 
acquaintances in the lobby, entered into conversation, and 
was introduced to a person of about thirty years of age, 
who was called Mr. Guy Sea, or as he was more familiarly 
termed by his companions, Guy. This gentleman was 
dressed in the very height of fashion — no pantaloons dis- 
played in Broadway could boast of larger checks ; his pat- 
ent leather boots were as bright as could be possibly 
made; his dress coat and flashy waistcoat were exti-emely 
long in the waist ; his eye-glass was bounded by a rim of 
gold ; a cataract of figured satin fell down his bosom, sup- 
porting three or four fierce looking pins; his hair was long 
and inclined to curl, though that inclination was aided by 
the^ barber’s tongs ; a budding moustache had the appear- * 
ance of smut on his upper lip, while a small tuft of hair, 
called an “ imperial,” gave the finishing touch to quite a 
good-looking face. When he walked, he was as if upon 
wires, and carried between his forefinger and thumb a small 
whalebone cane, having at the top a carved leg, of mother- 
of-pearl, which miniature limb was continually between 
his lips. 

“Ah! Mr. Eugene,” exclaimed this original, withdrawing 
the foot from his mouth, and displaying his white teeth, at 
the same time offering one of his delicate hands, small as 
any lady’s, on the little finger of which glistened a diamond 
of the finest water, “ how do you do 

“ Prime,” answered our hero, smiling and accepting the 
jewelled fingers. 

“ I’m glad to hear it.” 

“ And you ?” 


272 


BUBBLES OF FICTION. 


“ Oh, I am extremely well — never better in my life.” 

“ The information gratifies me.” 

“ Precisely,” answered the dandy, ^smoothing down his 
moustaches, although they by no means needed the opera- 
tion, “ but what do you think of the tragedy 

“Very good — it’s one of Shakspeare’s best.” 

‘i Yes — ^Imt how do you think Kean personifies the hump- 
backed rascal'?” 

“ Admirable.” 

“ Devilish fine — eh'?” 

“ It was very well done indeed.” 

“ It’s a pity he’s got such a — ah ! — such a deuced rough 
voice — eh !” 

“ It is really as you say — did his father Edmund have 
the same tone to his 

“ Don’t know — ^never had the fortune of hearing him.” 

“ Are you going to wait for the after-piece *? I see they 
are about raising the curtain.” 

“ Weil, I don’t care if I do — come in, and then when the 
piece is ended we can walk part of the way home together — 

I suppose you go up town *?” 

“Yes, and would be happy of your company.” 

When the curtain fell, the two persons walked home- 
wards ai-m in arm, discussing the merits of two mild Ha- 
vanas, and so much did they please each other, that Guy 
Sea invited our hero the next evening to pay him a visit, 
giving at the same time the direction where to find his 
place of residence, which invitation was cordially accepted, 
and they soon after took their departure. * * * * 

The next evening came, bringing with it our hero to his 
friend’s door, who having pulled the bell three different 
times, first gently, then roughly, then furiously, had it 


EUGENE. 


273 


opened, meeting face to face a daughter of Africa, with a 
broad grin on her countenance. 

“Is Mr. Sea in?” he asked. 

“ He is,” replied the dark woman. 

“ Can I see him ?” 

“ Oh, I suppose he has no objections.” 

“Will you tell him I’m here?” 

“ He lodges up stairs.” 

“ Indeed ! where — which room ?” 

“ There,” continued she, pointing upwards, when bolting 
the door, she wheeled quickly and departed, leaving our 
hero in a curious predicament ; howbeit, having received 
this very definite answer, he determined to ferret out the 
object of his search, so by the help of a tallow candle, rest- 
ing on a chair hard by, groped up stairs, and knocked at the 
first door to which he came. 

“ Come in,” cried a female voice. 

“ Wrong box,” muttered our hero, and he knocked at 
the next. 

“Who the deuce is that?” shouted a gruff voice from 
within. 

“ Still in the dark,” thought he, and door number three 
felt the weight of his knuckles. 

“ Enter,” whined a dismal voice. 

-The door was opened, but hardly had he thrust in his 
head when a melancholy voice was heard, uttering volumes 
of French oaths, and our hero just escaped in time to save 
his head from a bootjack, wFich thundered tremendously 
against the then closed door. 

“ Come, come,” whispered Eugene to himself, “ this is 
curious, but 1 will not yet give up the search,” and had 
hardly thumped at the next in order, when it suddenly 

12 * 


274 


BUBBLES OF FICTION. 


swung open, and a stout man, enveloped in a bear-skin 
coat, met his view. 

“ D’ye wapt me,” he exclaimed. 

“ 1 do not.” 

“ What are ye here then for at my door 

“I am looking for my friend.” 

“ Who’s hel” 

“ A person named Sea — Guy Sea.” 

“ Oh, he’s third story — second story above— there’s the 
stairs.” 

Having thanked his informer, he quickly ascended the 
uncai-peted steps, and when at the landing-place heard from 
a room near by the singing of a popular tune, then much 
in vogue among the cheap theatres and “ free and easys” 
about town. Having performed the usual ceremony, the 
voice of his friend was heard bidding him enter ; so enter 
he did, but saw nothing, for a screen covered with green 
baize hid all from view. 

Emerging from behind this, he w'as perfectly astonished 
at the sight he beheld, and while he stands wrapt in sur- 
prise we will seize the opportunity of describing what he saw. 

The room was a perfect museum, of large size, and lit 
by many gas jets. Over the windows were immense 
golden arrows, from which hung, hiding them completely, 
green silk curtains, with yellow tassels and trimmings, 
while the carpet of rainbow hues was rendered still more 
vivid in appearance by a brilliant fire of Liverpool coal. 
In th^ centre stood a table, on which Avas a salver containing 
bottles of wine, decanters of brandy, and numerous glasses 
and Tumblers, while with prints, colored and uncolored, 
books, and various small articles, it was completely laden. 

The inside of the screen was covered by engravings and 


EUGENE. 


27S 


one or two Chinese masks ; the walls were filled by paint- 
ings of all kinds, but mostly representing female figures, 
some in a state of perfect nudity, others decently clad ; the 
table that stood at one end was heaped with curiosities 
from all parts of the world ; swords of antique date, hel- 
mets, shields, banners and spears, battle-axes and swords, 
were laying in the corners ; all kinds of modern equip- 
ments were literally piled together, while among this mot- 
ley collection strangely appeared plaster casts of Cupids and 
Psyches, Adonises, Venuses, and Dianas, and nymphs ad 
injinitum^ together with a host of statuettes, and small busts 
were resting on little pedestals between every picture. 
On a sofa, placed on one side of the fire-place, lay extended 
at full length the occupier of this curious apartment, dressed 
in a long black robe and cap of shaggy black cloth, trimmed 
with scarlet bindings and “ frogs,” amusing himself with 
sucking the amber mouth-piece of his pipe he applied to his 
lips, while the carved and jewelled bowl at the end of the 
long elastic black body was supported by the figure of a 
dwarf in bronze, on the other side of the room. 

No sooner did Guy Sea behold our hero than he sprung 
up, dropped his mouth-piece, kicked out of the way a small 
lap dog who was lying on the rich rug (and who, by the 
way, yelped most horribly at the cruel treatment), and 
seized him by the hand, nearly shook it off, enquired 
anxiously after the state of his health, expressed his pleas- 
ure at seeing him, asked him how he liked the room, laid 
his overcoat and hat out of the way, conducted him to the 
sofa, poured out a glass of wine, handed it to him, and 
poured out another, drank his health, and then talked on 
divers topics. 

Eugene expressed his astonishment at the contents of 


276 


BUBBLES OF FICTION. 


the room, when his companion arose and pointed out all 
the beauties of the different pictures and curiosities, giving 
a hasty description as to what they meant, and the artist’s 
name. 

Time wore on, and after an evening spent very agreeably, 
our hero left, accepting the invitation to call again. 

When our hero had departed, Guy threw himself on the 
sofa, relit and smoked his pipe, patted the lap dog, and 
fell in the following train of reflection, which lasted ex- 
actly five minutes, and which, moreover, w^as thought 
aloud. 

“ Here I have been these many years, existing between 
wealth and poverty ; — (puff at his pipe) — like Mahomet’s 
coffin between two loadstones, so am I between opulency 
and beggary ; — (puff) — what riches I see about me ! but 
none, none are mine — not a single, object is my lawful 
■property. — (Puff.) — Between gambling, drinking — (puff) 
— and ladies — (puff, puff) — my purse is pretty low ; there is 
not that joyful sound now that once it gave forth — nothing 
in it ! By Jupiter ! done ! — (giving the unfortunate dog a 
kick, sending him against a smiling Venus, upsetting and 
breaking its arm). — What the Old Harry am I to do to 
keep on my legs 1 — (Puff, puff, puff.) — I can’t gamble, for 
w'hat can I gamble with 1 But let me see how I cart man- 
age this unfortunate affair. — (Here' followed a long succes- 
sion of puffs.) — Who has been here; this evening ; who? a 
youth with more money than brains ; why can’t I ease him 
of the former commodity 1 Certainly I can. — ^(Puff, puff.) — 
But how shall I manage it ? Ten to one if I ask him to 
loan me a small sum he will be excessively polite and pre- 
sent me with — nothing ! No, no, that’s not my role ; — 
(puff) — can’t I get him to try Iris hand at the grecn-covered 


EUGENE. 


277 


table ? Brilliant idea ! — (striking his hand on the table) — 
magnificent idea ! — superb idea !” And so taken up was he, 
that he arose, and catching the little dog in his arms, hugged 
and patted him, then laid it down on the sofa, drank in quick 
succession three or four glasses of brandy, and skipped 
about the unlumbered part of the room. At last he again 
resumed his seat and pipe, and continued his meditations. 
“What a lucky fellow am I. Fortune smiles now. All 
along she has hid her lovely face. There is a prospect of 
my now becoming a millionaire; who knows? Now let 
me slowly run over the means 1 am to employ to bring 
about this happy occurrence. First of all, he thinks I am 
his friend. Is he mistaken ? No ! I am his friend in 
one sense of the word, and will shortly, I hope, prove my- 
self such. He has paid me a visit, and by every glance I 
found he was pleased with me, and surprised, I may say, 
with the room. Now the thing for me to do, is to 
get in his good graces ; not by being too familiar, for 
familiarity might breed contempt ; but I will do my 
very best to be agreeable, and the next time he comes, in 
a night or two, I will show him a host of prints and en- 
gravings in which he takes delight, then get into conversa- 
tion, and using my skill, will turn it on the subject of mak- 
ing money, and bring it to the point of gambling ; then by 
working up his ideas, not to play on the first night, but 
only be a looker on, to accompany me to one of the 
‘ hells,’ and then — (puff) — and then — (puff) — and then — 
the tables will be turned !” 

A curiously-carved and decorated clock now struck the 
hour, and he found it was midnight ; so locking the door, 
he put out all the gas-lights, lit a small taper, and retired 
into an adjoining room, where soon he was wrapped in 


BUBBLES OE FICTION. 


278 

slumber, with golden yisions dancing night long in his 
head. 

Eugene again called to see his friend, who, acting as pre- 
meditated, induced him to accompany him to some of the 
numerous fashionable “ hells,” with w^hich the good and pop- 
ulous city of New York abounds. From a distant church 
spire eleven o’clock was sounding, as the two friends walked 
down Broadway, leaving behind them clouds of smoke, 
proceeding from the mild Havanas, when, in due course of 
time, they turned to the left into a cross street, which 
soon brought them to a rather secluded alley, down which 
lay their course. The pale yellow rays of the cold moon 
fell cheerlessly on a dreary-looking brick house near the 
end thereof, illuminating the panes of glass in the win- 
dows, and giving the whole edifice an appearance as 
though it were occupied by the dead. 

“ Guy,” said Eugene, “ where are you leading me ?” 

“ Into no danger.” 

“ But how long before we get to the place 1” 

“ That is it.” 

“ Where 1 I see no house that I should suppose is the 
place of all those interesting scenes you were telling me 
of a while ago, except it is that deserted building yonder.” 

“ And that deserted building is the place.” 

They ascended the stoop, and the rusty bell-pull was 
jerked, when, after some time, the door was opened, and 
a negro appeared, who, letting them in, asked a question, 
which, with the answer given, was perfectly incomprehen- 
sible to our hero, who nevertheless followed his con- 
ductor. The door was then locked, and the negro disap- 
peared. Groping to the other end of the entry (for the 
black had left no light), Guy opened a small door (seem- 


EUGENE. 


279 


ing perfectly acquainted with the place), and they threaded 
a dark passage, till their progress was stopped by yet an- 
other door, which, when pushed open, the sight that Eu- 
gene saw was perfectly astonishing. It was a circular 
room, having a dome of blue ground, studded with golden 
stars, and from the center of which was suspended a mag- 
nificent chandelier, with myriads of flaming jets and spark- 
ling crystal drops, while columns, painted of a dazzling 
white, ran around the walls. A bar, well stocked with 
liquors, cigars, and, in fact, all that such an establishment 
ought to be provided with, was on one side ; splendid 
sofas and ottomans, covered with rich damask, occupied 
the others ; while in the center stood a large table, covered 
with green cloth, having around it the players, seated in 
every variety of position, whom Guy had brought his 
friend to see. Eugene noticed the faces of these gamblers, 
and saw despair, malice, rage, anger, and jealousy depicted 
thereon; never was he so struck before; but when the 
playing commenced, growing deeper and deeper, and he 
beheld the ungovernable signs of Agony and Expectation 
expressed on their faces at the throws of the dice, he be- 
came perfectly wrapped in interest, and Guy saw that he 
was beginning to grow fascinated. This was the effect he 
desired, and producing a couple of cigars, presented one, 
and they smoked together, meanwhile watching the issue 
of the game ; but so interested was our hero, that several 
times his cigar went out, and at last, tossing it from him, 
he gazed intently upon the performance. 

Guy now ventured, in his usual adroit way, to propose 
trying his luck at some triffing stakes ; Eugene assented, 
and they joined themselves to the worthy company. For- 
tune, however, smiled not this time, for in less than ten 


'280 


BUBBLES ' OF FICTION. 


minutes they had the consolation of finding themselves 
less all their loose change ; and running in debt with the 
bar-keeper, to the extent of two glasses of something hot, 
taken for the purpose of keepmg up their spirits, they 
left, intending to come again next night. ***** 
The sun, the next day, mthdrew from mortal gaze ; the 
shades of night arrived ; the face of the earth was wrapt 
in darkness ; the clock struck eleven, and our heroes once 
more entered the celebrated gaming-house. They were 
recognized by the players, who were the same company as 
on the previous evening, and invited to again try their 
luck, which proposition wa? accepted. Eugene grew again 
interested, and staked high sums, which were quickly gain- 
ed by his antagonists. The little dotted bits of ivory fell 
merrily on the green cloth, and the gold passed in like 
manner from hand to hand. 

Fortune, however, that evening showed two faces, for 
our hero, after losing much, commenced slowly to regain, 
and soon had before him a pile of glittering gold, while so 
excited was he with his great success, that the conduct of 
his friend passed unnoticed, for it had, in reality, changed. 
Now he was in his true character; formerly in his as- 
sumed ; and any observer might see that envy was highly 
painted upon that frowning countenance, and desire depict- 
ed in those fingers continually grasping at some imaginary 
substance. Eugene having at last become possessed of 
nearly all his antagonists’ riches, called the bar-keeper. 

“Gentlemen,” said he to his companions, “what would 
you like to drink 

“ Brandy smasher,” said one. 

“ Gin cocktail,” said another. 

“ Sherry cobbler,” said a third. 


EUGENE. 


281 


„ “ Rum and water,” said a fourth. 

“Tom and Jerry,” said a fifth. ' 

“And you, Guy,” continued our hero, “what would you 
like 1” 

“ Nothing,” muttered he, clenching his teeth and hands, 
though both movements passed unnoticed. The drinks 
were furnished, and drank with approbation, when, after 
this refreshment, the playing again commenced, and two 
o’clock had struck from the marble clock over the door, 
at which stroke, an unlucky throw deprived our hero of 
one third his riches, while Guy Sea was the winner. 

“ Ah, Guy !” exclaimed he, with a fallen countenance, 
“ you are in luck.” 

“The chances have been against me; but would to 
Heaven I could make up what 1 have lost !” 

It was surprising how Chance will sometimes act, for 
in less than six throws the whole of Eugene’s riches was 
in his friend’s possession ! The other players now depart- 
ed, and our two friends played together, and so infatuated 
was Eugene, that he continued to stake, first his diamond 
pin, then his ring, then his gold watch, which were succes- 
sively won, and the affair terminated by his giving the 
lucky possessor of his riches a note, making over to him 
all his wealth, leaving him a complete beggar. 

Guy very quietly folded up the paper and thrust it in 
his waistcoat pocket, then spreading out his handkerchief, 
placed therein his winnings, when afterwards tying it, grasp- 
ed and placed it in his breast, nodded to our horror-struck 
hero, and left the place. For an instant, Eugene stood 
motionless, being perfectly petrified, then taking his hat, 
pressed it tightly on his brows and left. Awful indeed were 
his meditations — in vain tried he to keep them down, but 


282 


BUBBLES OF FICTION. 


notwithstanding all his efforts, they would rise. Murder 
was uppermost in his thoughts. — An invisible hand pushed 
him on ! He hurried onwards, and before long saw the 
form of his despoiler. — He drew forth his knife — glided up 
— gave one blow, using all his strength — and lodged the 
blade deep in his victim’s body ! After the horrid act was 
committed, a shivering passed through his frame as he saw 
the unfortunate person sink on the pavement ; but no time 
was to be lost, so stooping down, he took the fatal note, 
his watch, and other trinkets, -and grasping the bundle, 
darted quickly onward through the gloom of the night, till 
ho reached his lodgings, when opening the door \tith his 
latch key, he went to his room, and instantly lit a candle, and 
set about preparing for his flight ; for he could not stay in 
the city with any safety, a moment longer. 

Producing a portmanteau, he placed therein his wealth, 
and throwing his handkerchief in the fire-place, set fire to 
it, together vdth the note, both of which were quickly de- 
stroyed ; then stripping himself of his clothes, put on new 
ones, also burning the discarded ones. Thinking after this 
that he might further disguise himself, he shaved off his 
whiskers, cut close his long hair, and with a sort of prepa- 
ration stained of a brownish hue his rosy complexion. 
Staying in the house till sunrise the next morning, he left, 
not being aware, in fact, whither to direct his steps. At 
last, knowing that it was probable he might get caught, 
he went down to one of the wharves and took passage 
in a ship, which he found was bound for Calcutta, thinking 
that by the time he returned, no doubt the affair would be 
pretty well blown over. 

He arrived there, became acquainted with a gentleman, 
at whose house he resided for some time, and at last he set 


EUGENE. 


283 


out for his distant native land, in company with a Mr. 
Stonemoss, who invited our hero, whenever he found an op- 
portunity, to.pay him a visit at his residence, in O , 

a village not far from the town of Newark, in the State of 
New Jersey. * * * * * * * 

Some time passed. It was an afternoon in the com- 
mencement of summer, and the golden monarch was throw- 
ing his last rays over the tranquil landscape, as he sank 
calmly behind the dim range of mountains, at the foot of 

which is situated the beautiful village of O . This 

is a village somewhat different from all else to be seen — 
not in sfze ; for although it is long, extending about two 
miles, yet it is not wide; not in. the number of its popula- 
tion, not in the wealth of its inhabitants, but, in its beauty 
and its cleanliness. The houses are all neatly painted of a 
pure white, with green blinds or shutters ; many are over- 
hung with magnificent trees, creeping vines, or bushes, 
and the roads are so smooth, the sidewalks so clean, every 
thing so neat and cheerful, that as the traveller passes, he 
gazes on all sides with admiration. 

It was as I have said, sunset. The clouds were deeply 
tinged with golden and crimson tints, and the spires pro- 
truding here and there above the level of the village, were 
illuminated by its glory. All was still, not a sound being 
heard to break the evening hour, and Peace alone did reign. 
The labor of the day was finished ; while here and there 
could be distinguished, persons returning from their work. 

A horseman having descended the mountain, was slowly 
entering the upper part of the village. His animal was 
also as perfect a beauty as could be ; being of a milk white, 
with ears, lower part of the legs, mane and tail, of jetty 
black, while his noble eye literally flashed fire. The 


284 


BUBBLES OF FICTION. 


youth, for youth he was, wore a small straw hat, with a 
long black ribbon, under which lay, in abundant curls, his 
glossy hair. Bare was his throat, and his shirt collar was 
turned over a dark silk handkerchief, possessing that pecu- 
liar tie, for which sea-faring persons are so noted, while a 
short-skirted coat and loose pantaloons completed his at- 
tire. 

He passed the Episcopal church, with its wooden spire 
painted brown, so as to imitate stone (of which article the 
rest of the edifice is composed), and after ascending the 
rising road, obtained a fine view of it for a considerable dis- 
tance in advance, lined by the neat dwellings, down which 
he proceeded at a slow trot. Soon, however, the animal 
began to show signs of restiveness, which was found to 
be owing to a little girl who ran a few yards in front, and 
thinking that a few marks of kindness would suffice to paci- 
fy him, his rider patted his neck, using sundry gentle words, 
■ but being exceedingly skittish, he pricked up his ears and 
shied, causing the young man to use a little switch and 
tighten the rein. But the horse kept backing, till he had 
nearly got on the elevated sidewalk, when by dint of whip 
and skillful management, he succeeded in getting him once 
more in the right track; and all went on well till he came 
opposite a public house, in front of which were a party of 
men and boys, buying, or seeing the process of selling fish, 
the latter operation being performed by an odd-looking 
genius, in a red flannel shirt, seated in a low wagon, at- 
tached by cords, straps, sticks, and ropes, to a lean quad- 
ruped, bearing some resemblance to a horse. Having ef- 
fected sales, and there being a “ lull,” the odd-looking ge- 
nius set to his lips a queer-looking, long, tin horn, blowing 
a tremendous blast, causing the stranger’s horse to rear. 


EUGENE. 


285 


Then followed a beautiful display of horsemanship, which 
was ended by the rider wheeling in front of the group, and 
enquiring if any blacksmith lived near, as his horse had 
cast a shoe. The information was given, and he trotted 
off, to the admiration of all beholders. * * * 

A low, shed-like building was the workshop of the mod- 
ern Vulcan, who, in the shape of a fat, good-humored man, 
dressed in a leathern apron, and sleeves rolled up to the 
shoulder, was standing in the doorway, having a sledgeham- 
mer resting near him ; while his apprentice, a sooty-faced, 
ill-dressed fellow, was working the ponderous bellows with 
one hand,»and wetting with the other the coals newly placed 
on the blazing fire. 

“ Jem,” cried the smith, turning to the sooty-faced youth. 

“ Sir,” answered the apprentice, leaving the bellows, 
allowing the fire to die away. 

“ Do you want to see a sight I” 

“ Yes, sir,” cried he eagerly, “ what is it 

“ Come here then.” 

Jem cartie. 

“ Did you ever see a handsomer horse 1” 

“ No, sir, I never did ; never in my life before.” 

“ Or a handsomer rider I” 

“No, sir.” 

“ He sits well, don’t he f ’ 

Jem coincided with the opinion of his master respecting 
his posture. 

“ I see he’s coming here,” said the smith. 

At this moment the horseman rode up and said, “ Can 
you shoe my horse f ’ 

“ I expect I can.” 

The young man dismounted. 


286 


BUBBLES OF FICTION. 


“ But,” continued the smith, “ have you the shoe 

“ No ; I lost it about an hour ago ; but why do you ask 
such a question 1” 

“ Because I don’t think I have one in my store to fit.” 

“ That is strange,” murmured he, “ a blacksmith’s shop 
without a horse-shoe.” 

Not at all strange, not at all ; because the horses about 
here do not generally have such small feet.” 

“ Could you, then, make me one ?” 

The smith answered in the affirmative. 

“ How long would it take f ’ 

“ About ten or fifteen minutes.” 

“ I’ll wait then.” 

“ He fastened the bridle to a small hook in the door-post, 
and commenced a conversation with the smith, who began 
with a piece of iron to fashion a shoe. 

“ Beautiful animal that of yours.” 

“ So, so ; but rather unruly.” 

A handsome horse, in my opinion, ought to be a little 
inclined that way, because it gives him a better appear- 
ance.” 

“ I agree with you there.” 

“ Now the only horse here that comes any where near 
your’s in beauty is Mr. Stonemoss’s.” 

“ Mr. Stonemoss V 

“ Yes ; he is the possessor of a really beautiful animal.” 

“ Are you acquainted where he lives 

“Yes.” 

“ Be kind enough, then, to direct me to his house.” 

“ It is about a mile from here. You follow the main 
street till you come to the bi-ick church, and then take the 
road on the right of it.” 


EUGENE. 


287 


“ But how can I distinguish his residence 1” 

“ Oh, you will easily find it ; it has a veranda, I think 
it’s called, in front.” 

The shoe was at last made, fitted, and nailed to the hoof ; 
our hero once more sprang into the saddle, and was about 
proceeding, when the vender of fish happened to pass ; the 
skittish animal once more heard the horn, startling him so 
that he reared madly in the air, sending his unwary rider 
backwards to the ground, where he lay senseless, and then 
galloped away down the village, with a troop of boys after 
him. ****** 

An elderly gentleman, clothed in dark garments, was 
reclining in an easy arm chair in a library, reading an 
ancient volume. Long shelves, loaded with books, sur- 
rounded him, while here arid there stood busts of distin- 
guished literary characters, and in the centre was a good- 
sized table, supporting folios, papers, and maps. The door 
was heard to open, and turning to see the intruder, a smile 
appeared as he beheld a tall, well-shaped, beautiful girl, 
having her sun-bonnet swinging on her arm. 

“ Come, father,” said she, in a merry voice, “ come, 
father, are you ready 

“ For what, Sophy 1” replied he, smiling. 

“ For that walk.” 

“ Why, did I promise you one 

“ Oh, yes.” 

“I don’t remember it, Sophy.” 

“ Don’t you recollect this morning, when we were in the 
garden ?” 

“ Well, I believe, really, this time you are right. I think 
I did say something about it.” 

“ I know you did, father.’* 


288 BUBBLES OF FICTION. 

“ Well, well, ril be ready in a moment.” 

And rising, he placed a slip of paper in his book to 
mark the place, and getting his hat and cane, was ready. 

“Now, father,” continued Sophia, “ can you have a more 
fitting opportunity to tell me that little adventure of yours 
which you mentioned at the breakfast table 

“ I suppose you mean the snake story.” 

• Precisely .” 

“ I have no objections.” 

“ But how comes it that I have not heard it before 1” 

“ I thought it hardly interesting enough.” 

And as they walked, the gentleman spake as follows : 

“ You know, Sophia, that some time ago I was called by 
absolute necessity to make a. voyage to Calcutta, which 
you very well know, is an important place in India. If 
the business had not been so very pressing, you may 
rest assured, that never would I have undertaken it ; for 
it was something like leaving the world, to part with all my 
friends, and especially with you ; but it was required, and 
I left. The incidents of the voyage were not remarkable, 
and in due course of time we set foot on the famed land, 
where my affairs were soon settled ; but I could not as 
soon get away, as for some time no vessel would leave for 
America, and such being the case, I accepted the invitation 
of a friend, and spent a few weeks with him, at his country 
residence, the only drawback to my pleasure being, the 
remembrance of the dear one I hj^d left behind. But I will to 
my story — ” 

“ All that you have said,” interrupted she, “ serving, I 
may suppose, as a prelude.” 

“Yes, you are right. Well, one hot, disagreeable, sul- 
try afternoon, I was laying, exhausted by the heat of the 
weather, in a sort of tent, a short distance from the house, 


EUGENE. 


289 


enjoying the fragrance of the flowers, and the handsome 
scenery obtained from the entrance, when oppressed greatly, 
I fell into a dose. How long I continued thus I know not, 
but I was brought to consciousness by something feeling 
cold and slimy lying on me. Not a muscle did I stir, 
but anxious to find what it was, I opened my eyes — ” 

“ And you saw 
“Andlsaw— ” 

“ Whatr 
“ A serpent.” 

“ A serpent !” 

“ Yes, a monstrous one, by the way, who had curled 
itself upon me.” 

“ When I discovered myself in the power of this loath- 
some reptile, my first impulse was, to free myself; but 
recollecting if I should startle it (for it appeared asleep) 
my life would no doubt soon come to an end, I lay quite 
still, uncertain what to do, and in a cold perspiration. His 
head was resting on my breast, and I could nearly feel his 
poisonous breath. So you may imagine, Sophy, my situa- 
tion was far from being enviable. Soon, however, I heard 
steps approach, and found they proceeded from a young 
man who came out in the same ship with me, and was on a 
visit to the same place, who no sooner saw my situation, than 
placing his finger on his lips, returned, leaving me over- 
whelmed with anxiety. Should the serpent awake, I was 
lost ; should it lay quiet till the young man returned (which 
I had no doubt he would), I might be saved. At last he 
came, bearing a double-barrelled gun, with which he glided 
stealthily and noiselessly towards me, softly presented the 
muzzle in a horizontal manner to the serpent’s head, and 
while my heart throbbed so loud that I could almost hear 
it, pulled the trigger !” 


13 


290 


BUBBLES OF FICTION. 


“And what happened?” 

‘ I felt the snake in an instant uncoil itself, and springing 
to my feet, found the charge had shattered its head.” 

“ It was a hairbreadth escape, was it not, father ?” 

“ It was indeed. Tor some time aftenvards it so strong- 
ly affected my nerves, that I continually trembled, and at 
night imagined I saw those glaring-eyed reptiles gazing at 
me through my mosquito nettings.” 

“Well, really, father, I had no idea that ever such an 
adventure happened you.” 

“ It was hardly worth the while relating, but since you 
wished it, there you have had it.” 

•“ Thank you — ^but look ! what a handsome horse that is !” 

“Beautiful !” 

“ He’s ran away.” 

“ So I perceive.” 

“ See ! there is a crowd around the blacksmith shop, per- 
haps they can tell you what has happened.” 

“ Walk on a little, and I will enquire, and soon come up 
to you.” 

And the maiden walked slowly onwards, while the gen- 
tleman went to the crowd, enquiring what w’as the matter. 

“ Oh, sir !” replied a shoemaker, that had, in his hurry to 
see the affair, forgotten to lay down his last, “ oh, sir ! it’s a 
poor lad that’s got thrown by his horse yonder.” 

“Indeed! is he much hurt?” 

“ I don’t know ; is he, Pete ?” 

“ Yes,” replied Pete, turning around, “ at least I suppose 
so — ^but ! Mr. Stonemoss, the blacksmith would like to see 
you.” 

At this moment the smith came up in person, and said : 

“ The young man was making enquiries about you, and 
I did not know but you were acquainted with him.” 


EUGENE. 


291 


Mr. Stonemoss went to him as he was rising from the 
ground, and at the first glance exclaimed, in an astonished 
voice — 

Why, Swanly, is it you 

“ It is, sir — ah, Mr. Stonemoss, how happy I am to see 
you !” 

“ But, are you hurt ; they told me you were thrown 

“ Trifling, my dear sir ; simply stunned for an instant, 
but it is now all over.” 

Mr. Stonemoss, after having offered a reward to any one 
that would bring the horse (now out of sight) to his house 
that evening, he and his young friend walked on together. 

“ Sophy,” said he, when he had rejoined his daughter, “ I 
introduce '\o you Eugene Swanly, the young man that, in 
the story I have just told you, saved my life. 

Mr. Stonemoss was a widower, but had residing with 
him a maiden sister, who was a companion for Sophy, and 
also helped her in keeping house, and with James, who 
was a man of all work, his household was completed. 

Eugene was proceeding on a visit to Mr. Stonemoss, 
in accordance with the invitation received. It seemed 
strange to him, being welcomed back by all his former 
friends, and being in as much society in New York as ever, 
that he had heard nothing of Guy Sea. Neither did his 
friends know where he was. He had suddenly disappeared, 
no one knew whither, and though efforts were made and 
rewards offered, still the cause of his disappearance re- 

r 

mained a mystery. 

So Eugene paid the visit ; was thrown from his horse, and 
now we find him walking with his friends to their house, there 
to pass two or three weeks. However, the time flew' much 
quicker than either of the party anticipated, and the day 
fixed upon for his departure came — and passed, he remain- 


292 


BUBBLES OF FICTION. 


ing still for was he not admired by the maiden sister, be- 
loved by the father, and loved by the daughter ? And is 
it necessary for us to state that he loved in return. 

Mr. Stonemoss saw how the young people felt towards 
each other, and was pleased ; and to tell a long story in a 
few words, the day was fixed when the holy knot would be 
tied. Little did that happy father know the awful crime 
with which his intended son-in-law was stained. Little did 
he imagine that the hand that was to place the wedding- 
ring on his daughter’s finger, had once raised a knife and 
with it dealt death. 

How uncertain is every thing in this world ! How little 
can we rely upon any thing ! One week before the day 
appointed, Sophia was stricken by sickness, arfd the phy- 
sician pronounced her in a very critical situation. A gloom 
was cast on this once happy family by the sad occurrence. 
No smiling faces were seen ; no merry laugh heard ; no 
evening walk taken as usual, but the voices and steps were 
hushed. Melancholy was imprinted on every face, and 
Melancholy reigned. Sophia’s sickness, instead of amend- 
ing, grew from bad to worse, and to the sorrow of all, it 
assumed a more alarming character ; physicians had con- 
sultations ; and Sophia, the once merry, the once gay So- 
phia, was pronounced in a hopeless state ; her recovery 
was unlooked for ; she was given over to death. 

****** 

Not far from the village there is a beautiful spot of 
ground laid out as a cemetery. Shady walks, romantic 
and delightful retreats abound, while in one part is a young 
lake, shadowed by tall and magnificent trees. There, in 
this retired spot, may be seen on Sunday afternoons nearly 
the whole population of the village walking about ; some 
may be distinguished planting or trimming the flowers, 


EUGENE* 


293 


shading the graves of loved ones, and groups linger, read- 
ing the inscriptions on the white tablets. 

It was a calm morning that a procession trod, with sol- 
emn steps, the walks of this burial place, and soon the 
bearers sat down the coffin, covered by the velvet pall, at 
the head of the grave. The service was read, and the 
mourners gazed upon the melancholy spectacle, for it was 
the funeral of Sophia Stonemoss. Eugene stood by, while 
the tears rolled slowly down his cheeks, and when the 
labors of the men were done, he turned aside and wandered 
away. Hours passed, and yet he continued his solitary 
ramble, when at last he came again to the place ; no one 
was nigh, and not being able to contain his grief, fell upon 
the yielding sod, and wept long and bitterly. 

Some time elapsed, and at last arising, he proceeded 
slowly homewards, where he arrived, but took no part in 
the conversation that the bereaved father had with one or 
two friends who came to condole with him for his loss. 
The hours flew by, and never did a moon shine upon a 
more tranquil, lovely evening. About the middle of the 
night, James, the man of all work, who happened to be 
awake, heard some one walking slowly towards the door 
in the entry, when not knowing who it could be in that 
part of the house, that could thus be stirring at this unsea- 
sonable hour, opened the door, and saw the young man 
completely dressed, advancing, bearing in his hands a 
lighted candle ; but his eyes gazed vacantly, and the sur- 
prised beholder imagined he was asleep. At one time he 
intended waking him, and bringing him to a sense of his 
situation, at another he resolved to let him proceed, and 
by following, see what he was about doing. He pursued 
the somnambulist down stairs to the hall, where the light 
was accidentally extinguished ; but no attention was paid 
18 * 


294 BUBBLES 0^' FICTION* 

to this occurrence, and by the rays of the moon streaming 
through the fanlights, James saw him lay the candlestick on 
the table, undo the fastenings of the door, open it, and go 
out, and so likewise did he. The hatless young man now 
directed his course across the fields, and through the woods, 
till he came to the gate of the cemetery, which he opened, 
and tried to open the door of the house where the tools, 
etc., are kept, but finding it fastened, picked up a large 
stone, lying hard by, and burst the lock. James stood at a 
short distance, and with extreme surprise saw him enter 
and come forth bearing on his shoulder a spade, and then 
directed his steps towards the new grave. The place was 
gained, when driving his spade in the ground, commenced 
briskly shovelling out the loose earth. The coffin was at 
last reached, and taking it out he laid it upon the green 
grass, and with the help of the spade burst open the lid, 
and gazed upon the face of the occupant. James now ad- 
vanced, and was about interfering, when the somnambulist 
lifted the box upon his shoulder, and leaving the hole open 
and the spade therein, walked quickly home, followed with 
equal rapidity by the wondering spectator. He arrived 
there, and resting the coffin in the parlor, ascended the 
stairs, went in his owui room and locked the door, and 
although James went not to his rest that night, he did not 
see him again. * * * * 

The news like wild-fire spread J:hrough the village, that 
the beautiful Sophia had been raised from the grave, for a 
person had told how he saw two men coming from the 
cemetery, one having something across his shoulder resem- 
bling a coffin ; and having described the people, it was the 
conclusion that they were neither more nor less than Eu- 
gene and James ; so about noon a meeting took place, and 
two or three persons went to Mr. Stonemoss to see if such 


EUGENE. 


295 


was the case. They met the worthy gentleman at the door, 
who, in answer to their enquiries, told them that such in- 
deed had happened, and moreover he was happy enough to 
add that she was alive, and by the- physician’s word, gave 
hopes of entire recovery. This, as might easily be expected, 
raised their increased curiosity, and to comply with their 
earnest request, he told them the whole story, to the effect 
that he had learned from James how Eugene had risen in 
his sleep, and in the same state gone to the cemetery and 
raised the coffin ; how he had returned with it, and how to 
his astonishment James came to his room at daybreak, and 
by degrees imparted the whole affair ; how he had gone 
down and found his dear child, lying in her narrow recep- 
tacle ; but to his surprise found she was still alive ; and a 
doctor being called, it was found she had been buried dur- 
ing a trance. They expressed their pleasure at this new 
turn of fortune, and took their departure, while this second 
and more pleasing news was in a short time possessed by 
every one in the village. But if this was the astonishment 
of the inhabitants, what must have been that of Eugene, 
when coming dovm the next morning he beheld the form 
of her he so ardently loved, lying in her bed, which was in 
the room adjoining the back parlor. He could hardly be- 
lieve his eyes. Was not she the one he had so mournfully 
followed to the cemetery 1 How came she here ? Had 
he been dreaming about the burial, or had she risen from 
the dead 1 He could in no way account for it, and when 
his friend, the now overjoyed father, told how he had been 
the means of bringing her to life, he thanked his Creator 
for that blessing, for, as he told the gentleman, it was the 
first time in his life that ever he had acted the somnambu- 
list. As.for Sophia, of course she knew not, and ought not 
to know any thing about the affair, while her father, think- 


296 


BUBBLES OF FICTION. 


ing that some time or other the secret might be betrayed, 
removed, as soon as the state of her health would allow, 
to New York, where she was more secure, and compara- 
tively unknown. In time she became perfectly well, and 
once more our hero entertained'hopes of calling her his own. 
The day was again fixed, and the party were collected in 
the church. They joined hands, the minister gave the 
blessing, and Eugene and Sophia were man and wife. So- 
phia saw her husband on a sudden turn deadly pale, and 
stagger as if fainting, having his eyes fixed upon a person 
among the number of spectators ; he fell, but was caught 
and supported by Guy Sea ! 

“ You here !” exclaimed Eugene, when he had recovered, 
“you!” 

“ Yes,” replied the other, “ yes, Eugene, I am here.” 

“ How came you here — I thought — I thought — ” 

“No matter at present. Come to my lodgings, number 
— , Broome-street, I will then tell you all. Come any night 
you like, for I am always at home.” 

“I will.” 

And they parted ; Guy to his home, Eugene to his bride, 
who stood speechless with the other spectators, at the 
scene that had transpired. But she now perceived a won- 
derful change had wrought itself in him — ^more lively and 
cheerful did he seem. * * * * 

A day or two passed, and our hero had almost forgotten 
his friend who had so mysteriously appeared at his wed- 
ding ; however, at last, having an opportunity, he deter- 
mined to visit him, hear what was to be said, and have the 
mystery explained. 

It was rather an unpleasant evening. Cold was it, and 
yet still colder when the wind blew down the streets in 
hurried gusts. The moon shone cheerless, and on the 


EUGENE. 


297 


whole, the evening strongly reminded him of that time 
when he was first induced to visit the gambling house. 
Buttoning his overcoat to his throat, and pressing his hat 
firmly over his brows, he left his elegant mansion in the 
upper part of the city, and wended his way to, the place 
designated. At last he stopped before a dismal-looking, 
two-story house, and by the light of a still more dismal, 
flickering light, he read on the door the letters “ boarding,” 
engraved on an immense plate of brass, that the weather 
had nearly changed into bronze. He looked for a bell- 
pull, but none -was discernible ; a knocker was sought, but 
that article also was missing. No light was visible from 
any of the windows, l^ut still he would not depart, and 
rapping with his knuckles awaited an answer ; when get- 
ting impatient by the delay, and cold by the wind, he used 
his heels against the imitation oak. A light now streamed 
through the fanlights, a bolt was pulled back, a lock turned, 
and a head was seen behind the half-open door, enquiring 
what was wanted. His business was explained, and he 
was suffered to enter, when also entering a small room, 
boasting in the way of furniture two chairs, a table, and a 
bed, and illuminated by a tallow candle, he faced a person 
sitting on one of the aforesaid chairs, who immediately 
pointed to the other one, but spake not a word. Eugene 
shut the door and sat down. 

“ Guy, your appearance has removed from me a heavy 
load,” for it was Guy Sea with whom he was. 

Ah, Eugene, I wish that evening had been my last, for 
perfectly miserable am I — perfectly miserable.” 

“ What do you meani Is it the reverse of fortune, for 
the aspect of this room is rather different from that in 
which I fii’st met you 1” 

“ Partly so ; but if you have any patience and any de- 


298 


BUBBLES OF FICTION. 


sire to hear ,my history, I will in a brief manner give it 
you.” 

“ Yes, I should like to hear it.” 

“ Know, then, Eugene, that at an early age I became 
dissipated, and fond of low company and the midnight 
carousal. Now, had I proper guidance, it is my firm be- 
lief that never would I have so erred ; but being sent from 
home, I was my own master, and fell in debt, and wrote 
letters to my father, from time to time, advising him of 
them, with a wish to have them paid: At first they were 
paid, with a hint, now and then, not to raise them so high, 
but instead of lessening they increased, and, as I had ex- 
pected, letters of advice and letters of censure came, with 
a threat that no more money would be forwarded. What 
should I then do ? Deeply in debt, much more so than I 
dared even tell, I had not wherewith to get rid of them. I 
was not the only person thus fixed ; another youth, whose 
name I forbear to mention, was as much, if not more, in- 
volved, and so we came to the conclusion of retrieving our 
lost fortunes by robbery. Robberies were committed, and 
soon, little by little, our debts were cleared oft’ for had we 
at once settled them, suspicion would have been aroused. 
Once more we were penniless. I dared not write my pa- 
rent, for I understood from a private source that, by some 
means or other, he had become acquainted with my deeds 
of wickedness; so another’ robbery was concocted, and 
carried into execution with iuch skill, too, that it baffled 
the vigilance of the police. Having thus acquired a re- 
spectable sum, and being aware that if we ventured again 
into that adventurous line of business, we might be caught, 
we turned our attention to the gambling-house, and there 
night after night was spent gaining and losing money, for 
we ventured low at first. My companion one evening, to 


EUGENE. 


299 


my envy, swept the entire board, and gained, before the 
night had passed, immensely, but against my advice em- 
barked again, and lost the whole. So strongly did this 
affect him, that he drew from his pocket a pistol, and the 
next instant a report was heard ; the smoke cleared away, 
and my friend was lying on the floor lifeless. Scenes like 
those rarely occurred in the place, and, of course, it so 
warned me, that for a long time I kept away from the al- 
luring place. Poverty, however, and the pangs of hunger 
drove me, at last, again to the green-covered table, and 
having borrowed, such was my luck, that I departed a rich 
man. I then assumed a new name, disguised myself so 
that hardly any of my old acquaintances would know me, 
and removed to New York, where I lived like a fighting- 
cock. Fashion was now the shrine at which I worshipped, 
and I moved in its circles ; but as my expenses increased, 
my funds grew less (I had borrowed some small sums, 
and given as security all my effects), when one evening at 
the theatre I got introduced to you. That introduction, 
Eugene, was not, as you might have imagined, purely acci- 
dental. By no means. For a long period had we thought 
upon it, and as I saw you only during the evenings, I could 
never have the opportunity I desired. At last, how- 
ever, we got introduced, as you know. You were rich, I 
was poor, and it was my determination to possess your 
wealth. I had so done, but it was wrested from me by 
the hand of my victim. Eugene, I have looked upon the 
stroke you gave me as the visitings of Providence. Since 
then I have become a new man, and have thou’ght deeply 
on my past life. I see that my sins are numberless, and 
I am sorely oppressed. Money I have not, it is true ; but 
still I wish it not. Eugene, the memory of the best friend 
I ever had, and the way I treated him in my letters, hang 


300 


BUBBLES OF FICTION. 


heavily upon me ; but I know not where he is. Eugene, 
have you a father 

“ I have not, for he died long ago, and my adopted fa- 
ther also has been taken from me.” 

“ You had an adopted father ?” 

“Yes.” 

“ How did that happen 

Eugene told him, as we have already told the reader. 

“ And what was his name f ’ 

“ His name was Swanly.” 

“ Almighty God !” cried Guy, springing from his seat, 
and seizing with both hands his hair, “ he was my father !” 

“ And is your name Swanly 

“It is.” 

Silence followed. 

“ Oh, Father of Heaven !” cried the sorrowful youth, 
raising his hands, “ take away my life, for I am not worthy 
to live.” 

“ Be calm ; be calni, my friend.” 

“ Pardon me. Heaven, for the deed I am about to com- 
mit ; life is a burden to me — I am utterly unworthy to 
live;” and he proceeded across the room, and drew forth 
a pistol, which he cocked. 

Eugene rushed, and stayed the murderous purpose, 
wresting the weapon from him. 

“Eugene,” spake Guy Swanly, “you have done that 
action with a good motive, but it is lost. Why should I 
want to live Is not my friend — the only friend I ever 
had — dead 1 has he not bitterly wept for my sin ? can I 
rest here, with that remembrance % — ^no ! Eugene, fare- 
well ! Soon will I be judged for my sins — farewell I” 

And before he could stop him, he had left the room, 
leaving our hero standing motionless with horror. 


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